Sherfield School’s popular and stimulating early years centre is open to children from the age of three months.
We place real emphasis on helping each child develop their academic, physical and social skills. All Early Years children have a designated person to help them settle in and liaise with parents.
Our youngest children enjoy a nurturing and caring learning environment with our encouraging Early Years staff. With frequent walks and outdoor activities, the children experience nature and enjoy wildlife in Sherfield’s beautiful surroundings.
You are welcome to visit Our Early Years Centre to see them learn and play, and to take in the stunning grounds and buildings.
Contact us on admissions@sherfieldschool.co.uk to arrange a visit.
Early Years Centre Structure
Caterpillars
Our Caterpillar room is for children aged 3 to 19 months. In this room we try to encourage the children to learn through sensory and explorative play. With this we are inspired by the curiosity approach which is to create a very natural and curious environment for children to thrive and flourish which is our pedagogy.
“He always has the best time!”
Caterpillars Parent, 2023
Ladybirds
Our Ladybird room is for children aged 18/19 to 30 months. In this room we encourage children to further their learning through discovery and adventure as they explore schemas and create strengthen relationships with others.
“Harry absolutely loves his time there. He is flourishing and the staff always comment on how happy he is. I am particularly impressed with the activities they undertake and and how much time they spend outside enjoying the beautiful grounds.”
Ladybirds Parent, 2023
Butterflies
Our Butterflies room is for children aged 30 months to the September before they go to school. In this room we develop their independence and confidence.
Our outstanding staff encourage children as their learning develops and they become used to structure. Children have regular visits to the school library. They enjoy music and movement sessions in the dance studio. Sherfield’s young children also love our outdoor spaces. The Early Years garden has a superb range of outdoor equipment. There are areas to dig and play, and trails to explore.
Throughout their time in Butterflies, children learn independence as they prepare for Pre-Reception.
They are given chances to make more choices which increases confidence and communication. Regular visits to the school library and hands-on sessions with our Clever Touch Smart Boards ensure that children learn through play in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
“I believe the centre is run very well and the proof is that my child always loves to go.”
Butterflies Parent, 2023
Beyond the Early Years Centre
Sherfield School operates a two-year Reception cycle programme, 'Head Start', from age 3 to 5 which maximises your child's continuous learning and development during what research shows are the most critical years of a child's education and brain development.
With the Early Years Foundation Stage seven areas of learning at its core, this two year programme is the start of their school education at Sherfield and pupils are invited to join the school from Pre-Reception.
Children enter into Pre-Reception, and the school, the September following their third birthday. They are joined by a few additional new pupils. Two terms before they transition to our Reception class they will have the opportunity to spend time in small groups in our 'booster class' which is next to our Reception classes.
Children in Butterflies who are due to start Pre-Reception from that September will be invited to join the programme from the January before.
Please click here to learn more about our Pre-Reception and Reception.
Early Years Centre Handbook
Early Years Admissions
If you would like to register your interest for admissions please click here.
Please note that Sherfield School does not offer the EYE grant funded sessions (i.e. 15 free hours or 30 free hours funding).
Click here to view the fees.
"A relaxed, friendly facility in the school’s former boarding house...The carer to child ratio is high, and it was nice to see some little ones simply being cuddled. The outdoor area is well-equipped, with a mud kitchen and lots of toys. Children spend a lot of time outdoors and use a good deal of the grounds for supervised nature walks (when I arrived, they were walking hand-in-hand through the daffodils). Children have regular visits to the school library and enjoy music and movement sessions in the dance studio. Pre-reception children have timetabled activities including PE lessons and yoga."
Maya Boyd, Muddy Stilettos Reviewer, May 2020
