Preschool

Within our preschool we provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children aged 3 to 5 years grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring every child receives a well-rounded, developmentally appropriate education that supports both academic and personal growth.

Preschool at Monkey Puzzle: A Seamless Transition for Your Child

Monkey Puzzle Preschool Lightwater follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, providing a balanced, engaging curriculum that supports children’s development and school readiness.

Key features of our preschool include:

Free flow access into the garden for exploration and outdoor learning
Outdoor education to foster independence, curiosity, and hands-on experiences
Small rooms for intimate group activities supporting emotional wellbeing
Literacy and mathematics incorporated into play, guided by children’s interests
Community events to build a sense of belonging and understanding of the world

Through child-led learning and carefully planned activities, we nurture creativity, confidence, and a love of learning in a safe and stimulating environment.

Play, Rest & Mealtimes

Outdoor Play and Exploration

Children enjoy daily free-flow access to the garden, where they can run, play, and explore in a space that mirrors the EYFS areas of learning. Outdoor activities support physical development, creativity, and problem-solving on a larger scale. We also take learning beyond the nursery with local educational trips to parks, shops, and community landmarks. All outings are fully risk-assessed and supervised to ensure safety.

Rest & Recharge

At Monkey Puzzle Preschool Horsham, we recognise that rest is just as important as play. Children who need a nap during the day are provided with their own comfortable sleep mat and blanket in a calm, quiet space. For those who don’t sleep, we offer peaceful activities to help them unwind and recharge. Our approach ensures every child feels rested, relaxed, and ready to enjoy the rest of their day.

Mealtimes and Social Development

Mealtimes are more than just eating, they’re a chance for children to develop social skills, independence, and healthy habits. Sitting together at child-sized tables, children are encouraged to help set the table, find their own place settings, and try a variety of nutritious meals. We create a calm, positive atmosphere where children can enjoy food, explore new tastes, and learn about making healthy choices for life.

The Power of Preschool

Attending preschool at their nursery is an essential step in preparing children for the transition to primary school. During this time, children develop important social, emotional, and cognitive skills that provide a solid foundation for their academic journey. Preschool helps children learn to interact with peers, share, and communicate effectively, while also building empathy and understanding of group dynamics. These social skills are crucial for a successful school experience.

In addition to social growth, preschool also introduces children to the structured routines and activities they will encounter in school. By providing opportunities for independence and emotional development, preschool encourages children to make decisions, express their needs, and manage their feelings in a supportive environment. This builds self-confidence and prepares them for the expectations of primary school. Through engaging literacy and numeracy activities, preschool fosters a love of learning and helps children approach school with excitement and readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing your child for School ReadinessHead Office2025-07-30T09:00:45+00:00

Preparing your child for School Readiness

Preschool is a critical step in preparing children for school and beyond. It helps develop cognitive skills, emotional intelligence, and social competence. By fostering early learning in a structured yet creative environment, children gain a head start in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. Preschool also encourages positive peer interactions, building confidence and social skills that are essential as they grow. The stability of familiar caregivers and routines also eases the transition to formal schooling, ensuring children are equipped to succeed academically and emotionally.

I do not need childcare, why should I consider sending my child to Preschool?Head Office2025-07-30T09:00:25+00:00

I do not need childcare, why should I consider sending my child to Preschool?

Preschool provides essential benefits for children who have not attended nursery. It helps them develop foundational skills in socialisation, communication, and early learning. Preschool programs offer structured activities that promote independence, cognitive growth, and emotional development in a safe, supportive setting. Attending preschool also prepares children for the school environment by introducing routines and group interactions. With skilled educators, small class sizes, and a nurturing atmosphere, the personalized attention and developmentally appropriate activities ensure your child’s readiness for the next educational step, all while laying the foundation for a love of learning.

The transition from Toddlers to PreschoolHead Office2025-07-30T08:59:50+00:00

The transition from Toddlers to Preschool

It’s important that your child has a smooth, consistent and familiar transition from nursery to preschool. Your child will benefit from a stable environment, with familiar caregivers who understand their needs. Children thrive in an environment where they feel safe and secure, while developing the essential skills for future school success.

Why choose Monkey Puzzle Preschools for your child?Head Office2025-07-30T08:59:06+00:00

Why choose Monkey Puzzle Preschools for your child?

Our small class sizes, individualised approach, and nurturing curriculum foster essential skills like social interaction, independence, and academic readiness. We create a foundation of trust and growth, preparing children for future school success while maintaining a supportive, close-knit community. Choose Monkey Puzzle for an enriched preschool experience that builds on your child’s unique potential.

What should my child wear to nursery?Head Office2025-05-29T10:56:11+00:00

What should my child wear to nursery?

Please dress your child in clothes that you don’t mind getting messy. Despite our efforts to keep children’s clothes protected with bibs and aprons, accidents do happen. We recommend bringing a set of spare clothes, as well as weather-appropriate items like coats and wellies, which can be left at the nursery for convenience.

What is preschool age?Head Office2025-05-29T10:55:20+00:00

What is preschool age?

At Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, children begin their preschool journey at the age of three, where we focus on preparing them for a confident transition to school. To learn more about what our Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries have to offer you and your family, find your nearest nursery using our nursery search page.

What is the difference between a nursery and a pre-school?Head Office2025-05-29T10:01:41+00:00

What is the difference between a nursery and a pre-school?

A pre-school offers a more structured early years learning programme than a nursery alone, focusing on preparing children for the transition to school. It introduces key academic skills such as phonics, early reading, writing, and basic mathematics to give children a strong foundation before they start formal schooling.

Do the children play outside every day at nursery?Head Office2025-05-29T09:58:41+00:00

Do the children play outside every day at nursery?

All children have access to the outdoor area(s) every day. Therefore, we ask that you provide weather-appropriate outdoor clothing throughout the year.

What sorts of activities will my child be doing at nursery?Head Office2025-05-29T09:57:29+00:00

What sorts of activities will my child be doing at nursery?

Young children learn best through play, so their activities are planned around their individual interests and needs. This approach ensures they continue to learn and develop while engaging with their favourite toys, games, and experiences.

Who will care for my child when they are at nursery?Head Office2025-05-29T09:56:15+00:00

Who will care for my child when they are at nursery?

While your child will be cared for within their age group, it is important that we also meet their individual needs. Each child is assigned a Key Person whose role is to take special responsibility for their care and education during their time at the nursery.

How does the nursery help with potty training?Head Office2025-05-29T09:34:40+00:00

How does the nursery help with potty training?

At Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery & Preschool Woodford, we understand that potty training is a significant milestone in your child’s development. If you or our team feel that your child is ready to begin this process, we will work closely with you to plan the most supportive and consistent approach.

Potty training typically starts at home, where your child feels most comfortable. Once the process has begun, we will continue the routine at our Woodford nursery to help reinforce the learning and ensure a smooth transition between home and nursery.

We know that young children can become deeply engaged in play and may occasionally have accidents during the early stages of potty training. To support your child effectively, we kindly ask that you provide plenty of spare clothes and underwear to keep at the nursery.

At Monkey Puzzle Woodford, we aim to work in partnership with parents to support every stage of your child’s growth, including important milestones like potty training.

How does the nursery give feedback about my child and their progress?Head Office2025-05-29T09:30:18+00:00

How does the nursery give feedback about my child and their progress?

You will receive verbal feedback in person each time you collect your child from Nursery. In addition, we will arrange meetings with you, typically every three months, to discuss your child’s progress. However, you are welcome to request more frequent meetings if you wish.

We also use the Famly app, where we regularly upload observations and information about your child’s daily routines.

We encourage you to share any new developments or milestones you’ve observed at home so we can work together to consistently support your child’s growth and development at Nursery.

Do you follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework?Head Office2025-05-28T10:54:01+00:00

Do you follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework?

Yes, at Monkey Puzzle Woodford, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which is designed to support the development and learning of children from birth to age five. The EYFS framework focuses on key areas of child development, including communication and language, physical development, personal, social, and emotional development, and literacy and numeracy.

Our curriculum is built around the principles of play-based learning, ensuring that children learn in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment. Each child’s individual needs and interests are considered, allowing us to create tailored learning experiences that promote curiosity, confidence, and creativity. By following the EYFS guidelines, we ensure that every child receives the best start to their early education, setting a solid foundation for their future learning and development.

Preschool

Preschool at Monkey Puzzle: A Seamless Transition for Your Child

Play, Rest & Mealtimes

Outdoor Play and Exploration

Rest & Recharge

Mealtimes and Social Development

The Power of Preschool

Frequently Asked Questions

Space to thrive

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