Learning
With our dedicated and experienced staff providing a calm, structured and well-resourced learning environment, our children thrive. They also benefit from our specialist teachers in additional subjects such as music, PE, performing arts, French and Spanish.
Through continuous learning within the curriculum, interests and skills are developed through baking, crafts and gardening activities and both pre-school and reception regularly join together with our whole school in assemblies, themed days, school events and Masses helping them become key figures in the St. Dominic’s family.
Facilities
Both pre-school and reception work together in their free-flowing, purpose-built classrooms, which includes a wonderful, secure outdoor space with picturesque views over the canal. Our children also have access to the dance studio, roof-top garden, library, sports and school hall, together with our multi-use-games area (MUGA).
Funding & Fees
Pre-school: Parents are eligible for the funded hours (15 or 30 hrs) up until and including the term a child turns five years old if the child is attending pre-school or reception class of an independent school.
Follow link to see if you are eligible: Universal funding – Staffordshire County Council
Fees are fully inclusive of Student’s Personal Accident Insurance, lunches, books and stationery.
Early Education Funding (EEF) is available to assist with the cost of the pre-school; this is available from the term after your child is 3 years old.
Children will be required to attend a minimum of 3 full days or 4 mornings per week. The fees will be calculated according to the number of mornings or days your child attends.
Reception: Parents are eligible for the funded hours (15 or 30 hrs) up until and including the term a child turns five years old if the child is attending pre-school or reception class of an independent school. Follow link to see if you are eligible: Universal funding – Staffordshire County Council
Sessions and Our School Day
Pre-school is open term time only, providing wraparound care from 7.30am until 6pm. The school day is from 8:40am until 3:20pm and we provide both morning and full day sessions, with a minimum of 4 mornings or 3 full days.
Here is an example day in pre-school
Here is an example day in reception
(some days the children will have extra-curricular lessons such as French, music, performing arts, Spanish and PE.)
Outdoor Education
“Let nature be your teacher.” – William Wordsworth.
Access to outside learning is an important part of our St Dominic’s ethos. Giving children access to the outdoors helps the children learn about the world around them, as well as developing their curiosity, love for nature and physical development. It can also support their social and emotional skills.
Here at St Dominic’s we have several outdoor spaces, which include a well-equipped Early Years’ playground that contains a large sand pit, mud kitchen and construction area, a MUGA (multi use games area), garden area and use of Stone Hub sports field.
The children love exploring their natural environment especially watching barges and ducks on the adjoining canal.
We offer varied additional experiences, through trips, both in the locality (supermarket, post office, estate agents, local park and canal) and further afield (Bewilderwood, Cannock Chase, Kibblestone, Reaseheath College, Ford Hall Farm and Weston Park.) We also attend various theatre productions throughout the year and higher up the school, the children have the opportunity for a residential trip.
We also pride ourselves with having good links with the community, working closely with St Dominic’s Church, Autumn House Nursing Home and The Moorings Residential Home.
Parental Involvement
Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their child’s journey at St Dominic’s through contributing WOW moments to their online Learning Journeys, attending Stay and Play sessions and joining us for special celebrations.
Before and After School Care
Early Birds is open to all children from 7.30am until the start of school at 8.40am and is free of charge.
Breakfast is available to purchase from our catering team.
After school care runs from 3.20pm until 6pm. Prior booking is essential for the after-school care.
Little Adventurers
We currently run a successful, fun and friendly toddler group called Little Adventurers, which incorporates role play and storytelling for children aged 2-5 years old. For more information please contact dnugent@stdominicsprioryschool.co.uk
