Choosing a pre-school is one of the biggest decisions parents make, laying the foundations for a child’s lifelong love of learning. At Westbourne Pre-School in Penarth, children from age three enjoy a nurturing, academically rich early years education that prepares them for a seamless transition into Westbourne Prep School and beyond.
Head of Westbourne Prep & Pre-School, Jo Chinnock, explains more about what makes Westbourne’s newest provision different, and why these early years matter so much.
Why has Westbourne launched a pre-school?
We wanted to create an early years experience that combines all the warmth, care and nurture families rightly expect with the educational expertise of one of the UK’s leading independent prep schools.
Our new pre-school gives children the strongest possible foundations from the age of three, while ensuring a seamless transition into Reception and the rest of their school journey. Rather than seeing pre-school as something separate, we see it as the beginning of a carefully planned educational experience that develops with every child as they grow.
What makes Westbourne Pre-School different from a traditional nursery?
The biggest difference is that we are a true educational setting from day one. Children learn through play, exploration and discovery – as they absolutely should at this age – but every activity has a clear purpose. We’re developing language, communication, early literacy and numeracy, problem-solving, creativity and independence in ways that feel exciting and natural for young children.
Because we’re part of Westbourne Prep School, our children benefit from specialist teaching, exceptional facilities and an environment where high expectations and outstanding pastoral care go hand in hand. It’s a unique combination that helps children become confident, capable learners from the very beginning.
Why is starting at age three such an important stage in a child’s education?
Research consistently shows that the years between three and five are incredibly important for language development, social skills and establishing positive learning habits.
Three-year-olds are naturally curious. They ask questions, experiment and want to understand the world around them. That’s exactly the right time to introduce purposeful learning through play.
By nurturing that curiosity early, we’re helping children develop the confidence, resilience and enthusiasm that will support them throughout their education – not just in Reception, but for many years to come.
How do you balance academic learning with play?
At Westbourne, we don’t see them as separate things. Young children learn best when they’re actively engaged, so our approach combines structured teaching with imaginative play, outdoor learning, creative exploration and practical experiences.
Every day, children develop communication skills, early reading and writing, mathematical understanding, social confidence and emotional resilience in an environment that’s joyful, stimulating and full of opportunity.
Learning should feel exciting, and that’s exactly what we aim to create.
