The Stepping Stone Approach
A warm, nurturing foundation for children
At our preschool, we provide a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children aged 1 to 5 years, where every child is supported to grow, explore, and thrive. Our approach combines the best of the Montessori philosophy with the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), creating a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.
We use carefully selected Montessori materials that guide children from concrete learning to abstract understanding. This hands-on approach allows children to explore concepts at their own pace, building confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.
Alongside this, we integrate the core areas of the British EYFS curriculum, which include language development, mathematical development, personal, social and emotional development, physical development, and creative development. By blending these two approaches, we ensure that each child receives a balanced education that supports both academic and personal growth.
Our curriculum is thoughtfully tailored to each class, with clear developmental goals and targets set for every stage. We recognise that each child is unique, and we support them individually to achieve their full potential. By the time children complete their journey with us, they are well-prepared—academically, socially, and emotionally—for the transition to primary school.
We enrich our curriculum with a variety of engaging activities. Music classes form an important part of our programme, where children learn nursery rhymes, explore rhythm and movement, and develop confidence and social skills through group participation. We also offer swimming lessons, helping children build water confidence and learn basic swimming skills in a safe and supportive setting. Physical education sessions further promote fitness, coordination, and overall wellbeing.
In addition, we provide a range of optional extracurricular activities to extend learning and nurture individual interests. These include piano lessons, additional swimming sessions, ballet classes, and specialist arts and crafts activities, giving children opportunities to explore their creativity and talents more deeply.
Overall, our curriculum is designed to be enriching, holistic, and child-centred—creating a joyful learning environment where children feel valued, inspired, and ready for the next stage of their educational journey.
From Toddler Class To Reception Class
Jade Class
Ages 1 - 2 years
Key Focus Areas
- Sensory play — touch, sound, sight exploration
- Early language through songs, stories, conversations
- Gross motor development — crawling, walking, climbing
- Outdoor play for physical development and curiosity
- Secure attachment and emotional bonding
Daily Rhythm
- Short work cycles tailored to attention span
- Music and circle time
- Story time for language development
- Outdoor sensory play and free movement
What Makes It Special
A safe, stimulating, and caring environment where little ones begin their journey — happy, active, and loved.
Ruby Class
Ages 2 - 3 years
Key Focus Areas
- Sharing, taking turns, and using gentle hands
- Communication — words, gestures, expressing needs
- Movement — dancing, jumping, wiggling, parades
- Messy play — paint, sand, glue (where creativity lives!)
- Routine — circle time, snack time, favorite songs
- Big feelings — learning that emotions are welcome
Daily Rhythm
- Free play and exploration
- Circle time with songs and stories
- Outdoor gross motor play
- Snack time with self-serving
What Makes It Special
Welcome to the wonderfully wobbly world of Ruby Class — where every small step is a BIG deal. Happy kids, growing confidence, joyful learning.
Emerald Class
Ages 3 - 4 years
Key Focus Areas
- Numeracy: Numbers 1-50, simple addition (1-10), place value (tens & units), counting backwards, shapes, colors & shades
- Literacy: Letter sounds, beginning sounds, letter formation, building & blending CVC words, simple sight words, reading simple sentences
- Social-Emotional: Sharing, taking turns, courtesy words, empathy, kindness
- Motor Skills: Fine & gross motor for independence and physical confidence
Daily Rhythm
- Montessori work cycle
- Small group lessons and individual guidance
- Outdoor play and physical education
- Creative arts and exploration
What Makes It Special
Building critical thinking, empathy, and environmental awareness — fostering independence, cognitive growth, and academic readiness.
Sapphire Class
Ages 4 - 5 years
Key Focus Areas
- Reading: Digraphs, vowel digraphs, silent e, reading with fluency, vocabulary building, forming simple sentences
- Mathematics: Numbers 1-100+, place value (units, tens, hundreds), addition & subtraction, number names, shapes, patterns
- Social-Emotional: Cooperative play, managing emotions, positive relationships, leadership skills
- World Exploration: Understanding the world through observation and discovery
Daily Rhythm
- Extended Montessori work cycle
- Small group lessons and independent work
- Outdoor play and swimming
- Preparation for primary school transition
What Makes It Special
Confident, curious learners who are ready to thrive in primary school and beyond — academically, socially, and emotionally prepared.
Enrichment Activities
Within our daily curriculum
Music
Engaging songs, rhythm exploration, and musical games that develop listening skills, coordination, and a love for melody.
Swimming
Guided water play and swimming basics that build confidence, water safety awareness, and gross motor development.
Arts & Craft
Creative expression through painting, collage, and hands-on projects that nurture imagination and fine motor skills.
Drawing
Exploration of lines, shapes, and colors as children learn to express ideas and develop pre-writing skills.
After-School Club
Extended learning & fun from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Piano Club
Introduction to piano through fun, age-appropriate activities that develop musical awareness, coordination, and a love for melody.
Swimming
Continued water confidence and skill development in a safe, supervised environment.
Ballet
Creative movement and basic ballet techniques that build grace, coordination, and self-expression.
Arts & Craft
Extended creative projects that allow deeper exploration of materials and techniques.