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The Croft Preschool and Reception

At The Croft Preschool and Reception, we provide a warm, nurturing, and intellectually stimulating environment where children begin their educational journey with joy, confidence, and curiosity. Our setting combines the best aspects of a nursery school - caring, play-based learning - with the academic structure and expertise of a high-quality Preschool preparing children for the exciting path ahead at Tranby Prep School.

Children can join us from the term they turn 3. Welcoming them at this stage ensures they receive an outstanding early education in an environment designed to help them thrive. 

Why Choose The Croft – A Nursery School Setting with a Difference?

  • A Strong Educational Foundation From as young as two years old, children at The Croft benefit from the support of experienced, qualified teachers alongside our amazing nursery nurses. This partnership is what sets us apart from more traditional nursery school settings. It means that even in our early years classes, learning is purposeful, structured, and tailored to the individual child. It’s not just childcare, it is education in its truest form. 
  • School-Ready and Ahead of the Curve When children move from Preschool into Reception, they already have a deep familiarity with the structure and rhythm of school life. This seamless transition gives them an academic and emotional advantage, and we consistently see children progressing far beyond national expectations in subjects like maths, phonics, and early literacy. 
  • Specialist Subjects from Reception Onwards From Reception, our children benefit from dedicated teaching in Sport, Languages, DT, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). They build in DT, conduct exciting experiments, and greet their peers in French, Spanish, and German - all from the age of four.
  • Child-Led Exploration Meets Academic Excellence We blend child-initiated play with teacher-guided sessions in phonics, literacy and numeracy. This approach develops the characteristics of effective learning - independence, motivation, resilience - while laying firm academic foundations. 

A Unique Children’s Nursery and Preschool Environment

While many nursery schools focus on routine care, The Croft Preschool and Reception is a place where children flourish through structured learning, high expectations, and joyful discovery. Our curriculum is alive with excitement, featuring: 

  • Daily Dough Disco for fine motor skill development which strengthen the muscles in their fingers, hands, and wrists - essential for writing. By combining music, movement, and playdough, children develop coordination, focus, and control in a playful way 
  • Weekly yoga for mindfulness, physical development, emotional awareness and develops focus and concentration 

  • Creative and collaborative learning through play, challenge, and project-based tasks develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills through play and imagination. Working together on activities builds communication, teamwork, and empathy from an early age. It also boosts confidence and a love for learning by encouraging children to express ideas and explore new concepts with others.

  • Cookery through simple cooking tasks, children develop fine motor skills, early maths (counting and measuring), and language as they follow instructions. Cooking also encourages healthy eating habits and introduces children to new foods in a positive way. Most importantly, it fosters independence, confidence, and teamwork.

  • Forest school sessions develop confidence and independence through outdoor, hands-on learning. Supporting physical health and emotional well-being by encouraging active play in nature. Children also build social skills and creativity while exploring and problem-solving in a natural environment. 

Exceptional Outdoor Learning Environment

Our exceptional Foundation Stage Outdoor Learning Area is a space for adventure, imagination, and discovery. In our extensive grounds, your child can: 

  • Explore sand and water play zones 
  • Bake in the mud kitchen or read in the hobbit house 
  • Build in the outdoor construction area 
  • Climb, balance, and navigate tunnels and tracks 
  • Visit our gated woodland, safe pond viewing area, and fire pit amphitheatre 
  •  Experience hands-on learning as children grow their own fruits and vegetables in our allotment.  

We go outside in all weather, developing bravery, gross motor skills, and a love of nature that stays with children for life. 

Enriching Experiences Beyond the Classroom

Our Preschool children enjoy regular visits to our on-site Forest School, where they connect with nature and learn through meaningful outdoor experiences. Whether solving a creative challenge, working as a team to build a shelter, or simply spotting signs of spring, children develop confidence, communication, and care for the world around them. In Reception children will visit our off-site Forest School in Wawne, near Beverley. These visits provide a full day of immersive learning in a beautiful, natural setting. 

Educational Trips and Visits

We also offer exciting off-site visits and invite engaging guests into school. Whether it’s a farm visit, fire engine or walk to the bakery to explore maths and money, every opportunity is designed to make learning real, relevant, and fun. 

At The Croft, we believe a Preschool or nursery school setting should be about more than childcare. It should ignite curiosity, inspire confidence, and lay the foundation for a love of learning, for life. 

Our Outdoor Fun and Learning Zone

Our state-of-the-art outdoor exploration zone encourages inquisitive play, teamwork, bravery, and exercise. The children thrive in this tailor-made section of The Croft, which is unmatched by any other local preschool setting. Combined with our classroom teachings, children go home at the end of the school day tired but beaming after a day filled with discovery, growth, and learning. Whether they’re conquering new challenges or collaborating with friends, each moment fosters both personal and social development in a fun, nurturing environment. 

A Warm Welcome Awaits at The Croft Preschool and Reception

Prospective pupils may be registered for admission at any time. You can book a private tour HERE and meet Head of Prep, Catherine Sweeting along with students. 

Our Registrar Sharon McEwan is available to answer your questions. Please email Sharon.McEwan@tranby.org.uk or telephone 01482 657016.