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Feature Item:
Education
Wednesday, 02 May 2012
Toad Hall Day Nursery
Toad Hall Day Nursery was established in 1991 and is fully registered with Ofsted for 33 places for babies and children from 0–5 years of age and has built-up an enviable local reputation. We pay particular emphasis on a child’s personal and educational development and believe that play is a fundamental process through which children become an enquirer, experimenter, explorer and questioner. To help the children through this process, we have a wide range of toys and equipment to encourage children to think, increase their understanding and to improve their language skills and competence. We can provide local school pick-ups, an after school club and holiday care for children up to 8 years of age. We can also offer 15 hours per week of FREE childcare for 3-5 year old children. Toad Hall’s owners are Julie and Mike Sylvester who took over Toad Hall in April 2004 and are supported by a team of friendly and fully qualified staff who are all dedicated to the care and well-being of your child. The children are separated into 3 age groups occupying different rooms, Baby Moles, Little Toads and Badgers, each with a Room Leader, ensuring continuity of care and a sense of security for the children. Toad Hall occupies the lower ground floor of a large Grade 2 listed property in Okehampton and the accommodation provides 5 play rooms, children’s toilets and washing facilities, kitchen, office and a large outdoor garden and play area that is separated into two distinct areas. Toad Hall currently has vacancies for all age groups, so for further details on current availability for places, please contact Julie Sylvester on 01837 54492, email her at toadhallnursery@btinternet.com or visit our web site at www.toadhalldaynursery.org.uk
Mount House School
Aiming High at Mount House
In Mount House School, Tavistock has on its doorstep one of the finest prep schools in the country, and the only one in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset to belong to the Oxford Group: a handful of the top prep schools in the country. The School’s stated aim is “to instil a sense of excitement in our children as they learn, whilst fostering their confidence, fitness and generosity of spirit”. Over its 150 year history, Mount House has educated authors, explorers, politicians, international sportsmen and women, sculptors and admirals. Pupils go on to some of the greatest schools in the country - nearly 40% in the last five years with scholarships worth over £1.25 million – to schools such as Sherborne, Blundell’s, Eton, Harrow, Bryanston, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Winchester and Canford. Over the same period, Mount House children have moved on to 37 different destination schools, some local and some distant. Mount House has first class academic, cultural and sporting facilities, and a dedicated team of highly qualified staff. We firmly believe that the fundamental attributes: kindness, curiosity, good manners, self- reliance, independence of thought and purposefulness are the real building blocks for later life. A child’s happiness and sense of security make up the plinth upon which all of these can stand. Mount House Pre-prep offers a happy, secure and stimulating environment for children aged from 3 to 7 years in a modern, purpose-built facility in the Prep school’s grounds. Its staff have all been carefully selected for their knowledge of this specific age group, planning and implementing teaching programmes tailored to the individual needs of each child. Children of Pre-prep and preparatory school age attending the Adventure Morning at Mount House on Saturday 12th May, will enjoy a range of activities led by TV personality Monty Halls, famous for his involvement in televised expeditions and conservation projects including The Fisherman’s Apprentice and Great Barrier Reef. Their parents will have the opportunity to meet members of the staff and tour facilities of the Prep school and its Pre-prep Department.
St Joseph's School
St Joseph’s School is a small independent day school which is in the process of becoming fully co-educational by 2014. The school have been celebrating one of its most successful years to date. In 2011 the school won two National Awards. In March 2011, the school won the Independent Schools Association’s most prestigious award, the Award for Excellence. Then in the November, the school won the Outstanding Progress Award at the Education Business Awards in London. This was a particularly prestigious achievement as the school had been identified independently of any nomination. The school welcomes boys and girls from age 3 going through from Nursery, Early Years, Junior School and into the Senior School. Children can attend the Nursery part- time or full-time which prepares them for the transition into Reception Class. The Nursery pupils are very much part of the main school and they participate in weekly swimming, French, music and PE lessons. Nursery places are available for children from September 2012 and the Early Years Grant is available from Cornwall County Council, from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday. In 2011 the school celebrated another set of excellent GCSE results with 56% of grades at A* and A, these results are significantly higher than the national average and recognise quality teaching on offer at the school. Approximately 50% of pupils travel to St Joseph’s by school mini buses. The school currently offer 7 different routes; Tavistock, Liskeard/Bodmin, Marshgate, Camelford/St Kew, Bude/Holsworthy and Callington. Extra-curricular activities are a huge benefit of Independent education. At St Joseph’s School activities are offered during lunch time and after school and include Football, Netball, Rugby, Orchestra, Choir, Book Club, Science Club, Pilates, Debating Society and Design Technology Club to name a few. Clubs are organised for different age groups and there is always something for everyone. Sport plays a big part of school life at St Joseph’s and recently the school have created a new cross country course for the children to use in preparation for competitions. Following the ISA South West Cross Country Competition in Cirencester, six St Joseph’s pupils were guaranteed selection for the National Finals taking place at Princethorpe College in Rugby. Pupils from St Joseph’s have also competed at national level during the past year in Swimming and Athletics. St Joseph’s also continues to draw large audiences to its charity concerts featuring the Senior Chamber Choir, Orchestra and Windband. The quality of music at the school is exceptional. Head Teacher Mrs Rowe said ‘We have had a wonderful year in terms of awards and results and I am full of optimism for the year ahead. We have a team here of pupils, parents, staff and Governors who all work towards achieving, and sustaining, the quality education we provide. Many of our classes are nearing capacity with more interest in Year 7 2012 than we have places for. It promises to be a very exciting year. We offer small classes and I truly believe that we are offering ‘A firm foundation for life’ for each pupil.’ The schools website has a wealth of information including dates of the schools next Open Days and the latest school news www.stjosephscornwall.co.uk If you are considering an independent school education for your child do please contact us to arranger a visit as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as some classes are at, or nearing, capacity. To arrange a visit to the school please contact the Registrar, Rebecca Walker on 01566 772580 or registrar@stjosephscornwall.co.uk
Kelly College
The first few years of a child’s education are hugely important and should be a time of encouragement, excitement, stimulation and enrichment. At Kelly College Prep School our principal aim is to encourage the pursuit of excellence and the development of the whole person, in a caring and supportive environment. We seek to instil in the children a sense of curiosity and confidence so that they can drive their own learning and make the most of their ability, wherever it lies. The school’s ethos is to seek high academic standards as well as providing a welcoming family environment. The school’s most recent ISI report found the pastoral care to be ‘outstanding’. Our team of well-qualified teachers concentrate on the development of social and academic ability, to help children establish strong and responsible values. Our children thrive in an environment where they can grow in self-confidence and where they can experience a great variety of opportunities. We are proud to offer the ideal environment where children can enjoy being children whilst gaining their first steps to a very successful education. Kelly Prep is a very happy, unpretentious school which, in its beautiful rural surroundings, strives successfully to inculcate a love of learning, a genuine sense of community within and without the school, an overall sense of decency and excellent preparation for the next stage’. – Good Schools’ Guide December 2011. Come and meet us at one of our Open Mornings on 18th May or 22nd June. 10am-12pm. For more information contact Sally Kinsey on 01822 61291 or email admin@kellycollegeprep.com.
Copyright Tindle Newspapers Ltd Saturday, 25 May 2013
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