Children are our primary concern. We encourage pre-schoolers of any race or religion. We respect all aspects of their cultures and seize upon different traditions and festivals as a valuable shared learning experience. Children with learning or physical disabilities are also welcome. The nursery now has a number of links with outside professional agencies. Boys and girls are treated alike and both have access to cookery and woodwork activities.

We aim for a high standard of self discipline which is developed through encouraging children to develop independence and take responsibility. Self-discipline is also learned through the exercises of practical life, where children are encouraged to care for themselves, for each other and for their environment. We strongly emphasise the importance of courtesy, good manners and respect for each others property. Staff try to teach by example and set clear boundaries for behaviour, gently explaining why certain behaviour is unacceptable. If any forms of anti-social behaviour persist, parents are informed.

Our school promotes a healthy lifestyle and high standard of hygiene. Food and drinks are carefully planned to be nutritious and special dietary requirements are facilitated. Outdoor play is valued and encouraged.

Parents are requested to keep their children at home if they have an infection and not to bring any child into the school who has had diarrhoea or vomiting until 48 hrs has elapsed since the last attack.

As the child’s first educator we acknowledge that you know your child best and we value communication with you about your child. We offer three parents evenings over the year, one per term with a written report in the Summer term. Parents have the opportunity at the beginning or end of each session to discuss concerns and successes with the child’s key person and longer appointments can be made where required.

We invite parents to help out on a voluntary basis. We value any special skills, experiences and talents that parents may have especially where you can share these with our nursery community.

We have a fund raising group called Friends of the Ark Nursery (FANS) who meet each term to discuss events and opportunities to fund raise and socialize, promoting a forum for friendships to develop.

Visits by prospective parents are welcome, by appointment.