The Ladybird Nursery School is for children from the ages of 3 - 5,
and is registered by the local council. The school is situated beside
St Judes Church with direct access to the private gardens. It
comprises of three classrooms with a maximum of 14 children to a
room, who are then divided into groups of eight children per
teacher. Every member of staff holds an accredited teaching
qualification.

The year is divided into three terms with a half-term break of one
week in the middle of each. We do our utmost to keep the dates in line with other schools but this is not always possible.

The morning begins at 9.30 and ends at 12.30, (the door is opened at 9.25 and closed at 9.45. It is then reopened at 12.25 and closed at 12.40). We have a large assortment of resources which include jigsaw puzzles, role play, construction and design, educational games and creative play which the children can use as they wish. We use the Letterland system to teach the children their letters, using both audio and visual. Letterland is now available
everywhere. All letter sounds are introduced phonetically.

Between 9.30 and 11.00 each child is given individual instruction as
well as being encouraged to participate in group activities. In the
younger class, we focus on the basics of pencil control, colour and
shape recognition, the alphabet, numbers, fine motor and dexterity skills all with a strong emphasis on fun! In the older class the fun continues but in a slightly more constructed format. Each child continues to have individual attention but the week is divided into two days for developing literacy and writing skills, one for nature and environmental projects and the remaining two for developing numerical skills.

Throughout the morning the children will also do a range of creative activities and project work which could involve painting, cooking and role play.

At 11.00 each class has a drink and some raisins, unless there is a
birthday in which case we celebrate with 'pink biscuits' - a Ladybird
favourite! During this time ladybird stickers and stamps are' also
awarded!

Weather permitting we spend at least 20 minutes in the garden at the end of the morning, after which they return to their classroom for a story before going home. Three times a week optional afternoon clubs are run which extends the day until 2.45.

Once a week each class has half an hour of dance and mime with a
trained teacher and pianist. On a Friday the classes join together for singing and on a rainy Friday the instruments make an appearance as well!!

We hope that when the time comes for your child to leave they
will be doing simple numerical and word building exercises and perhaps ready to start on a reading book if they have not already done so. They will be writing clearly with well formed letters but above all, be confident and happy in a learning environment and literally bounce into school each morning with enthusiasm and excitement for what the morning holds.

At the end of each term we have an event, which all the
children work towards and participate in. For the spring it is a theatrical extravaganza! For the summer it is Sports Day which is held at Battersea Park and at Christmas there is a party for the children with a visit from Father Christmas, if he is not too busy, and a finale for you! Also at the end of each term there is a Dancing Display which is an opportunity for you to enjoy the dance and mime class!

Visits to the school are by appointment only these are at 10.00 or
10.30. To arrange an appointment please ring 020 7244 7771.