Changes to King’s House Nursery Structure from September 2024
King’s House Nursery in Richmond is delighted to announce plans that from September 2024,
the current Butterfly Class (rising 4s) will be split into two smaller classes, each with their
own qualified Class Teacher and two Nursery Practitioners.
The Nursery first opened 15 years ago, and since then has grown and adapted from a small morning only group to a busy pre-school with 59 children across both classes. Butterfly Class has, until now, had a capacity of 35 children, but with this change the Nursery will move to a model of one Caterpillar Class (rising 3s) and two smaller Butterfly Classes (rising 4s).
Therefore, works are planned for the summer holidays to construct a dividing wall to create two classrooms, interconnected by double doors to allow opportunities for the classes to come together. This has been carefully designed and planned so that large windows ensure the wonderful natural light of the current space is retained, whilst creating more areas for quiet group work. King’s House is currently planning for the additional resources, equipment and renovations needed for the two rooms, such as new flooring.
Each new Butterfly class will have a 1:6 staff to pupil ratio, with one qualified Class Teacher and two Nursery Practitioners. As seen in the plans, the new classroom with direct access to the playground will be slightly bigger. Therefore, in September 2024 the larger Butterfly Class is expected to have 18 children, the smaller Butterfly Class 16 children, and Caterpillars 24 children by the Summer Term.
Head of Nursery, Jane O’Brien, said: ‘’We are really excited about this change to Butterfly Class, which will allow the children to benefit from smaller class sizes with excellent teaching and learning in our wonderful Nursery. We are currently recruiting for an additional Class Teacher, and our staff are looking forward to working closely together to plan an exciting curriculum ensuring continuity and shared activities between the classes.’’
The new layout will provide more space for small group work and specialist teaching, supporting a quieter and calmer learning environment for all the children. By doing so, the Nursery will be better able to cater to the individual needs of each child, as well as balance the level of support needed across the two classes. There will also be opportunities for the whole cohort to come together for productions, such as the Nativity and Leavers’ Concert.
Given the creation of an additional Butterfly Class, the Early Years classes will also be renamed from September 2024. Shown in the table below, these will be different woodland creatures and provide exciting opportunities for links to outdoor learning.
This change follows the announcement that Butterfly Class will also be able to access wraparound care from September 2024, and so will be able to stay on in After School Care until 5.30pm.
For more information about these plans visit the website here or contact the Registrar, Sally Bass, on admissions@kingshouseschool.org or 020 8940 1878.
March 2024