This is the stage when a great deal of information is taken on board, and we do everything we can to encourage it.

For example, we are keen on good manners, and teach the children basic etiquette such as please, thank you and good afternoon when they leave to go home. Hopefully this will follow them through into their first year at school. We have lots of resources to help toddlers in their development, to improve their confidence and build respect for their peers. Other important areas we concentrate on include toilet training, physical co-ordination and social skills. The children can also enjoy creative and educational activities, using sand, water, music, colours, drawing and role-play. But whatever the subject, the emphasis is always on fun.

All the way to Big School

Children have a natural love of learning, which is encouraged through a varied curriculum. We realise that every child has his or her own individual qualities and that every child's development is unique. Our belief is that they should be carefully nurtured to help them realise their full potential, and this is achieved through a wide range of educational activities. Lingfield Nursery School therefore offers a broad and balanced timetable that incorporates music, dance, art and physical education, and begins to get to grips with the 'Three Rs' - reading, writing and arithmetic.

The curriculum includes early learning goals. These are part of the foundation stage, as introduced by Ofsted. We keep parents fully informed about the current and future topics we will be concentrating on, and encourage them to continue with these at home.

The school has many themed events throughout the year, celebrating the traditional festivities and changes of the seasons. These are always great fun to prepare.

Sooner or later all our pupils have to leave us. The transition from nursery school to "big school" is a huge step, and we do our utmost to prepare the children for it, ensuring they are looking forward to this next stage in their lives with confidence. Leaving day is always a happy one, marked with a graduation tea, certificate and a portfolio of their work.