At The Ridge Pre-School, we pride ourselves on being a happy, nurturing place where children feel excited to learn and confident to be themselves. Our experienced staff create a warm, stimulating environment, and our teaching is carefully tailored to each child’s individual needs. We want every child to grow into a happy, confident and resilient learner who loves coming to school and feels safe, supported and valued. Our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and build strong foundations for the future.

We believe children learn best through play, so our days are filled with a balance of child‑led exploration and thoughtful adult‑led activities. We aim to create a joyful, enriching experience that helps children become:

• Independent thinkers – full of ideas and unafraid to learn from mistakes
• Inquisitive explorers – eager to ask questions, investigate and try new approaches
• Confident learners – ready to have a go at new experiences with enthusiasm

Above all, we believe learning should be fun, and that children thrive when they feel cared for and encouraged.

Our bright, spacious classrooms offer plenty of opportunities for children to explore all seven areas of the EYFS. Outdoor learning is a big part of our day too. We’re lucky to have a fantastic outdoor play area where children can run, discover and connect with nature. We also enjoy weekly Forest School sessions—so don’t forget your wellies and puddle suits!

From the term after your child’s 3rd birthday, they can begin their learning journey with us in a nurturing environment full of opportunity. We understand that starting pre-school is a big step for both children and their families, which is why we offer a warm, supportive induction to ease the transition and build strong relationships from the very beginning.

We recognise that every family’s needs are different, so we provide a range of flexible provision options, including:

• Fully funded 30-hour placements
• 15-hour attendance over 2.5 days per week (Monday, Tuesday 9am-3pm and Wednesday 8.30am-11.30am or Wednesday 12.30pm-3pm and Thursday, Friday 9am-3pm)
• Wraparound care from 8am to 4pm daily
• Termly intake (September, January and April), subject to availability

We also hold three open evenings each year—one per term—where families can visit the pre-school, explore the environment, and see the range of activities on offer. We strongly encourage you to visit before applying for a place.

Our aim is for every child to feel happy, safe, and secure at pre-school. We understand that some children may find it difficult to be away from their parents or carers at first. By working in partnership with families from the very beginning, we help children settle confidently into their new environment and develop a genuine enjoyment of pre-school life.

To support a smooth transition, we:

•  Arrange a home visit, giving you the chance to meet our staff before your child’s induction session. This is an ideal opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
• Invite children for an hour-long induction session to meet staff and explore the setting. As part of our standard induction process, children stay on their own during this session to help them begin building independence.
• Work closely with parents during the settling-in period, offering shorter initial sessions if needed.
• Maintain open communication with parents and carers regarding their child’s development and well-being.

We follow the statutory framework of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and use Development Matters alongside your child’s interests and stage of development to plan meaningful and appropriate learning opportunities. Development Matters outlines seven areas of learning: three prime areas and four specific areas. The prime areas form the essential foundations for all future learning, whilst the specific areas build on these to develop knowledge, skills and academic understanding.

If you would like more information, please click the link below.

Development Matters

Children need to be provided with a packed lunch when attending for a full day. Please ensure that the lunch you provide is nut/sesame free to safeguard children with allergies. It is a statutory requirement of the EYFS that we promote healthy eating in school. We ask that you support us in doing so by providing a healthy, balanced packed lunch.

Please click the link below for tips and ideas

Healthy Lunch Ideas NHS

Food preparation to avoid choking

Throughout the day there is always fresh water available. A healthy snack of fruit and milk or water is provided during the morning session. 

Weekly information will be sent out via Dojo. This will keep you up to date on what has been happening in pre-school and provide you with ideas on how to support your child’s learning at home.

Parent consultations will be held in the Autumn and Spring Terms with the aim of updating you on your child’s learning and how they are settling into Pre-School. Consultations also provide an opportunity for parents/carers to ask any questions they may have.

At the end of the summer term, parents will receive an end of year report outlining the progress your child has made throughout their time in pre-school. It will also highlight next steps for you to continue working on at home.

Special events/assemblies are also held throughout the year, and we ask that parents or a family representative attend where possible. Our diary dates and term dates can be found on the school website.

For details of when your child is able to join us, please see the information in the table below.

If you wish to apply for a place at our Pre-School, please complete the form attached at the bottom of this page.  You can return this to the school office or via email to info@ridge.dudley.sch.uk.  Alternitavely, forms can be collected from the school office.