Muddy Ducks Pre-School
Welcome to Muddy Ducks Pre-School
Hello and welcome to Pre-School! We are so thrilled to have your children join us and hope they have a wonderful year! Our Pre-School has up to 30 children who are 3-4 years old, for morning and/or afternoon sessions.
The sessions run as follows:
8:30 -11:30am (£18 per session if not covered by funded hours)
11:30 - 12:15pm Lunch Club (£3.00)
12:15 - 3:15pm (£18 per session if not covered by funded hours)
Families can choose either 5 mornings or five afternoons or the full week. Lunch club is charged at £3.00 per day, and we ask parents to provide the children with a packed lunch please. Children will be entitled to a free school meal once they start in Reception. We would also like to point out that as of September we are asking for a voluntary contribution for consumables of £5.00 for a part-time placement and £10 for a full-time placement every half-term. Please see our Nursery/Pre-school Policy outlining revised fees from September 2025.
Important Notice: Nursery Places and New Funding Changes
Due to recent changes in funding, nursery places are expected to become more limited in the near future. If you are considering placing your child in our nursery, we strongly encourage you to complete the application form as soon as possible( application form to the left of this page). This will ensure your child is added to our waiting list and has the best chance of securing a spot.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance with the application process.
Autumn One Field Of Study:
Muddy Ducks Pre-School will learn so much this term from 'Incredible Me!’ They will draw self-portraits, identified people who help us and chat LOTS about our favourite thing: ME! This will help to create confident, independent learners!
Autumn Two Field Of Study:
This terms Field of Study will be 'Starry Night' awe will explore the differences in the world at night compared to during the day. We will learn all about the importance of a good night's sleep and discover what happens in the world while we are sleeping.
Spring One Field of Study:
Spring Two Field of Study:
Into the Woods
Summer One Field of Study:
Roar!
Summer Two Field of Study:
Big Wide World
Staffing:
Sarah-Jane O;Donnell EYFS Lead
We operate an open door policy and there are always Early Years staff available on the door at drop off and pick up for quick messages/conversations. If you would like a longer or more confidential chat with one of the team, please do ask to make an appointment and we will try our best to help. You can also contact Sarah-Jane O'Donnell, our Early Years Leader using the following email address: eyfs@thomashickman.bucks.sch.uk
In Pre-school, we focus on meaningful interactions with the children. We are positive play partners and extend the children’s learning through observation and quality questioning, consistently modelling key vocabulary and always mindful on development language and communication skills. On occasions, we may capture some ‘wow’ moments through photographs, videos or captured speech and these may be shared on the children’s Tapestry Journals, (a platform for online learning journals). We also have a class ‘Busy Bird’ floor book. This is a very special large spiral bound scrap book where the children and staff create a visual representation of their learning journey through the topic. The children can take time to look at their learning together, discussing how they have made progress and remembering all they have learnt. To read more about our vision and approach to the Early Years, please click on the link below.
EYFS Intent, Implementation and Impact
Ideas to help Language Development in three year olds