Nursery

Pupil in nursery class at St Chris

Just a short train ride from London and Cambridge and close to towns such as Hitchin, Biggleswade, Stevenage and Bedford, the Nursery at St Chris is a popular choice for parents seeking a well-rounded and holistic pre-school education that celebrates the advantages of learning through play.

Joining the St Chris Nursery.

The Nursery – which we fondly call the Monte to honour our Montessori roots although we no longer follow the Montessori approach - accepts children from the start of the term that they turn three.

Comprising dedicated indoor and outdoor learning areas, the Nursery is a special place where children grow in confidence, develop a love of learning, show their care for themselves and each other, make friendships that continue into school, and have huge amounts of fun! 

Pupils are encouraged to explore the world through hands-on activities and enjoy child-centred learning while promoting physical development through play. Children in the Monte develop a love for learning which propels them into the next stages of their educational journey at St Chris.

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Pupil in class with nursery teacher at St Chris
Beautiful Environment
Children in forest school at St Chris nursery
Forest School
Child in class at St Chris Nursery
Holistic Education

 

Beautiful Environment

The Nursery is located within the St Chris Junior School building – in a dedicated area that includes outdoor and indoor learning and play environments, and access to the main school facilities including a music room, library, indoor swimming pool, Forest School and PE and games facilities.

 

Forest School

Nursery pupils have weekly sessions in our on-site Forest School under the guidance of our trained Forest School teacher. Through the Forest School curriculum, pupils develop a greater environmental understanding and are encouraged to think creatively, enhance their connection with and respect towards nature, embark on outdoor adventures and instigate play – all fundamental skills for Early Years learning. Forest School forms an integral part of outdoor learning at St Chris both in the Monte and beyond.

 

Holistic Education

Weekly swimming lessons are included for all Nursery pupils at our on-site indoor pool and pupils are gently coached by our experienced swimming teachers to develop a love of the water as well as stroke proficiency. Children start to learn about the world around them from the moment they are born. In our Nursery, our dedicated Nursery Teacher and Early Years Practitioners create an environment where each child’s curiosity and development are nurtured through tailored and engaging activities that are appropriate to each child’s age, stage of development and interests.

The St Chris Advantage

Nursery pupil in class
Choosing the St Chris Nursery sets your child on a path of holistic development.

Here's why our school stands out:

Early Years

The St Chris Nursery is divided into two-year groups:

Half Monte (from the start of the term that a child turns 3) and Top Monte (aged 3-4).

Nursery Community

The Junior School is a close-knit community, regularly hosting whole-school events and activities. Most parents choose for their child to progress from the Nursery to the Reception class in the Junior School continuing their educational journey at St Chris.

Flying Start

Children, and parents, are supported in this transition by a programme of activities to ensure that children have a confident and flying start to school.

 

A benefit of being in the Nursery in St Chris is that children become very comfortable in the Junior School environment and with the wider teaching staff, enjoying music, Forest School, swimming and PE lessons with specialist teachers as well as a host of other activities.

See us in action

Visit us on an Open Day

WEDNESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2024 

Wednesday 22 January 2025

Wednesday 26 March 2025

 

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“St Chris is a progressive school; there is a sense of equality between staff and children, connection to nature through forest school and animals, small class sizes and individualised approach, lack of uniforms, and importance of prioritising arts as well as academics.”

Parents’ Survey, 2022

 

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Explore more...

While this process can be exciting as you explore different options and avenues for your child, we also know that some parents find it challenging, particularly for key entry year groups.

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Start your journey...

Enter your child's date of birth to discover the key steps to joining us:

Name of child

Date of birth

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