Visions and Values
Our Curriculum starts and ends with the children, they are at the very heart of everything we do. Learning is driven by children’s current interests and lines of enquiry which shapes future planning. Pedagogy we base our curriculum on:
Froebel – all learning is linked and impacts other areas of learning, child initiated and child led learning is key to helping the children learn, remain engaged and motivated. We start with what the child can do then set ambitious but achievable challenges for them. Talk is a key part of our curriculum – enabling children and adults to talk with each other.
Reggio Emilia: Each child is seen as capable, resilient and ready to explore. Children communicate in many ways so a variety of opportunities are given for children to express themselves e.g. drawing, dancing, role play, music. Adults support the children’s learning offering suggestions but not direct instructions. Adults take the time to engage with the children and their interests. Child led play builds problem solving skills and communication between all.
Learning is hands on, exploratory and very much child led. Certain activities are adult led to ensure we cover the statutory requirements set out in the EYFS framework (2021) e.g. health and self care. But also as Adult led enables children to experience ambitious language, promote teamwork, encourage longer periods of concentration.
Some structure in our day e.g circle times, snack times, lunch times, outdoor time, forest school session, provide consistency, set expectations and prepare our children for school. They are also ambitious in terms of building concentration, widening vocabulary and experience.
Tandridge Village Pre-School is a happy, secure and stimulating place to be. Set up in 1989, we have over 20 years experience providing children with the highest quality care. We combine the fun of a large, airy village hall with plenty of space and an exciting outdoor environment. We are recognised in the Oxted area for the ease with which all our children settle into Pre-School life.
At Tandridge Village Pre-School our vision is clear.....
Primary teacher-lead setting
"I’m a qualified Primary School teacher with over 15 years experience working with children. I had always dreamed of working with children from a young age, one of my earliest memories as a child was lining up my teddy bears in front of me whilst I read them stories or ‘taught’ them their letters and numbers. I’m passionate about providing children the very best start on their learning journey. The children at Tandridge Village Pre School (TVPS) are at the heart of everything we do, the curriculum is driven by their interests whilst also providing them with new experiences to help them learn and discover more about themselves and the world around them. TVPS holds a special place in my heart, I have experienced it first as a parent, then a committee member and now as a member of staff. There is just something very special about TVPS, the staff care for the children as if they were their own, the children are so keen and eager to learn and the rural setting enables such wonderful adventures and provides so much awe and wonder. Please do not hesitate to get in contact if you would like to arrange a visit, we would love to welcome you to our TVPS family."
Emma Heyburn, Pre-School Manager
Forest School
All our older 'Oak' children have the opportunity to take part in our forest school.
Originally a Scandinavian idea, children greatly benefit from the hands-on learning opportunities present in a woodland environment.
To read more about our forest school click here.
We are rated good by Ofsted
Click here to read our latest Ofsted report.
Outside Play
“The best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky.”
This quote from famous nursery educator Margaret McMillan is perfect to illustrate how we feel about our children being outdoors here at TVPS. McMillan maintained that children need space and the outdoors as much as food and water, and we couldn’t agree more!
We are very lucky to enjoy access to St Peter’s School playground, field and trim trail when they are not in use, which provides a brilliant setting for children to play and run in safety.
It is important to note that unless the weather conditions are severe, we go out regardless. If it’s rainy and cold, we wrap up in woolies, wellies and waterproofs and off we go – the children always love it!