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Little Apples Pre-School

Applying for a Reception Place 2025

Little Apples is a friendly, successful pre-school within the unique setting of Speen Church of England School. Situated in an area of outstanding beauty, our facilities include well-resourced indoor and outdoor areas that the children can access throughout the day. Children can also explore their wider environment during weekly Forest School sessions. We are also able to enjoy the large school field and playground facilities.

Here at Little Apples pre-school we value each child as an individual. We follow the Early Years Foundation Curriculum, providing a broad and varied curriculum that meets all areas of development. Each child has a key person who is a point of contact for both parents and child, and with whom they can share information. We work in partnership with parents, valuing them as the child’s first educator. Little Apples uses ‘Tapestry’ online (accessible to parents) to log each child’s developmental journey. This is what one of our parents said:

"We love the Tapestry updates. The children enjoy looking back at the photos and videos, so thank you to the staff for taking the time to do all the uploading – I appreciate there must be a fair amount of admin involved but it is lovely to see all the amazing things they get up to during the course of the year."

Our timetable offers children opportunities to cook, garden and experience music, movement and singing. There is a focus on ‘natural materials’ and moveable loose-parts allowing children the freedom to create.

We are pleased to be able to offer our facility to all and are proud of the facilities and learning opportunities that we provide to all those that choose to come to Little Apples.

Staff in Little Apples

Mrs Fenton - Preschool Lead/ Early Years Teacher (Butterfly Key Person)

Mrs Stevens - Preschool Teacher (Butterfly Key Person)

Miss Murray - Early Years Practitioner (Caterpillar Key Person)

Miss Miller - Early Years Practitioner (Caterpillar Key Person)

Mrs Calin - Early Years Practitioner (SEND Specialist)

What We Are Doing This Week - w/b 21/10/24
Monday

Messy Monday - We are investigating pumpkins! We will explore the different textures both outside and inside various pumpkins, and will use our fine motor skills to pull out the seeds and see what is inside.

Tuesday Tuesday Trek - We will be visiting Forest School again this week, and gathering some leaves to create autumn-inspired artwork during the week. We will also re-tell last week's story, 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'. It is also our 'Meet the Teacher' evening.
Wednesday

Wiggle Wednesday - We will begin by playing the Bean Game, using our listening skills to become different beans! We will also enjoy some yoga inspired by 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'. It is also our 'Meet the Teacher' morning.

Thursday

Sports - PE with Coach Matt. Please ensure all children wear suitable footwear and clothing for sports.

Library - We will visit the library to choose and listen to stories with our library volunteers. Please make sure your child brings their book from last week so they can choose a new one for half-term.

Friday Inset Day - Preschool is closed, back on Monday 4th November. Have a great half-term break, and please share any pictures of your activities over the week on Tapestry so we can discuss it with the children when we are back in school!

Nursery Rhyme of the Week

'When parents introduce their child to nursery rhymes it is most unlikely that eventual success in reading is in their minds. Yet...early knowledge of nursery rhymes plays a considerable role in preparing the child for reading and spelling.' Bryant et al 1989.

To support this early knowledge, please enjoy this rhyme with your child at home and explore the rhyming words with them. You can watch a video of it here which has been produced by Little Wandle. 

Current Core Text 

Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcome. A school where children in patkas, hijabs, baseball caps and yarmulkes play side by side. A school where students grow and learn from each other's traditions. A school where diversity is a strength.

Warm and inspiring, All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, and they are welcome in their school. Engaging lyrical text and bright, accessible illustrations make this book a must for every child's bookshelf, classroom and library.

Listen to the book here All Are Welcome: Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

Tips for reading at home with your child

Little Apples Key Texts