Age range. 3–7 Co-educational.
Number of pupils. 90.
Fees per term (2024-2025). £4,410–£8,004 (fees inclusive of VAT in Reception & KS1).
The ethos of the School is the happiness and success of every child through a secure, friendly and exciting environment. The provision of a wide and varied programme of activities, all of which are timetabled and included in the fee, contributes considerably towards achieving this aim. The high staff/child ratios enable children to learn and achieve in small groups thus progressing successfully throughout the curriculum. External assessments are introduced in the Nursery and continued through Reception, Years 1 and 2. The results are collated and provide a useful means of tracking the progress of each child: it also aids the planning and learning needs of different children. The School is non-denominational and children of all denominations or none are welcome. Children are made aware of major religious festivals including Christmas.
Pre-Nursery children enter the School when rising 3 for four and a half days a week. The children enjoy participating in many different activities designed to promote speech and language skills, hand/eye coordination and the development of social skills. The large garden provides many opportunities for physical activities, role play and social interaction.
The Nursery takes children from the age of 3+ for four and a half days a week. A purpose-built nursery wing was completed in 2021 in the grounds and the Nursery children build on the skills they have learned in Pre-Nursery. They are also introduced to letters and numbers. Singing, using the Kodály teaching approach, is introduced in the Pre-Nursery and continues throughout all the classes, as does Drama. Visits to places of interest off site are also introduced in the Nursery year.
The Reception Class is taught Literacy and Numeracy each morning. French and swimming are added to the curriculum along with Dance, Woodwork and Swimming. Children remain at school until 3.30 pm and either bring a packed lunch or sign up for a school lunch.
The class teacher remains with them throughout Key Stage 1 to ensure a seamless transition from Years 1 to 2, greatly benefitting the children’s preparations for their future 7+ assessments. The classes follow a curriculum based on the National Curriculum but designed to enable each child to progress towards a successful outcome at 7+. Learning the violin or cello is introduced and mandatory for all Year 1 children. This is continued through Year 2. After-school clubs are available free of charge for all Years 1 and 2 children. These clubs are held on four afternoons a week and finish at 4.00 pm.
Children are prepared for the 7+ entry to their next school, and advice and support is provided for parents throughout their child’s time at The Avenue.
We have built up good relationships with other schools in the area and, as members of the IAPS (since November 2009), enjoy meeting and visiting member schools.