At Safari Childcare, our Pre-School Rooms give children aged 3–5 a welcoming, engaging environment where they can become more independent, build confidence and continue developing the skills they will need for school.
At this stage, children’s questions become bigger, their friendships develop, their imaginations grow and their curiosity about the world seems endless.
Through play, exploration, social interaction and age-appropriate learning, every day brings opportunities to discover something new while gradually preparing for their next big adventure – school.
Dedicated environments designed specifically for children aged 3–5.
Encouraging children to make choices, take responsibility and try things for themselves.
Engaging activities that help children explore new ideas and build important early skills.
Safe areas for active play, fresh air, movement and outdoor discovery.
From age three, children continue their Safari journey within our dedicated Pre-School Rooms at Hutton and Runwell.
These environments provide children with the space and resources to explore their interests, interact with others and become increasingly confident doing things independently.
Supported by our early years educators, children can take part in age-appropriate games, experiments, creative activities, stories and social experiences that encourage curiosity while helping them build on the skills and knowledge they have already developed.
Our environments encourage children to become active participants in their learning. Sometimes our educators introduce a new idea or challenge. Sometimes children lead the way.
The skill lies in knowing when to do each.
Pre-school children learn best when they can get involved, ask questions and explore ideas for themselves.
Throughout their time at Safari, children can enjoy creative activities, stories, early literacy and mathematics, physical play, group activities and plenty of time exploring our secure outdoor spaces.
We also believe children learn enormously through real experiences – growing something, preparing food, investigating unfamiliar ingredients, solving problems, making choices and working alongside friends.
Everyday experiences give children opportunities to practise communication, sharing, problem-solving and working alongside others, helping them become more confident and capable as they prepare for their next stage.
The pre-school years are an important time for children to develop the confidence and independence that can make the transition into primary school feel more natural.
At Safari, school readiness means much more than knowing letters and numbers. We want children leaving us as confident communicators, curious thinkers, resilient problem-solvers and increasingly independent individuals.
Through our bespoke Leo’s School Readiness Programme, children gradually develop the skills, routines and confidence that support a successful transition to school.
Alongside this, children enjoy daily phonics and mathematical experiences, delivered in engaging and age-appropriate ways that keep their natural enthusiasm for learning alive.
Our aim isn’t to turn Pre-School into Reception early. It’s to give children strong foundations and a genuine excitement about learning.
The best way to decide whether a pre-school is right for your child is to experience the setting for yourself.
Visit our Hutton or Runwell daycare locations to meet our team, explore the Pre-School Rooms and outdoor facilities, and see where your child could spend this important stage of their Safari journey.
Our EYFS-aligned curriculum supports children across the key areas of early development, with learning woven naturally into play and everyday experiences.
Alongside this core curriculum, Pre-School children experience a wider range of our Safari Signature Sessions, created to provide additional opportunities beyond traditional nursery provision.
These can include experiences such as Mini Chefs, Plant to Plate, TastEd, early phonics, mathematical thinking and physical development, helping children build confidence, independence, communication and a greater understanding of the world around them.
Healthy meals and snacks from Savannah Kitchen also form part of the Safari day, supporting busy days of learning, playing and exploring.
Together, these experiences create a rich and varied Pre-School environment that supports children as they grow towards school age.
