Nant-Y-Cwm
kindergarten
‘’…The turf roof, the circular building, winding entrance and windows at a child’s height. All the nooks, wooden toys, the soft lighting. It’s cosy and magical – even the drive to school through the forest. It’s a really ‘held’ place for a childhood.‘’
– Parent
Building a foundation
for learning
Kindergarten at Nant-y-Cwm prepares children by focusing on holistic development and foundational skills. Through imaginative play, arts, and sensory-rich activities, children develop fine and gross motor skills, creativity, and social abilities. Emphasis on storytelling and language activities fosters early literacy skills.
The daily rhythm helps children adapt to routines, facilitating a smooth transition to more structured learning environments when they enter formal schooling.
Daily activities
Children partake in a variety of domestic and creative activities, including painting, sewing, woodwork, gardening, cleaning, vegetable preparation, and bread baking.
These activities are designed to enhance children’s coordination, concentration, and fine motor skills. The children feel valued by contributing to the day-to-day functioning of the Kindergarten
A home from home:
age 3-6 years
A child will remain in the same kindergarten class, allowing the child to relax into familiarity. Teacher’s observe and respond to each child’s individual needs, using a developmental approach that respects the unique journey of early childhood. The weekly rhythm remains the same throughout the year, letting the children to relax into the familiar pattern, allowing them the confidence to dive deeply into their free play.
Location
We have three kindergarten classes at Nant-y-Cwm: River, Orchard and Woodland. Two of the classes are housed in the beautiful purpose-built, turfed roof, cob house, built by Christopher Day, and recently listed with Cadw. Our third class is located in the orchard cabin: light, cosy and amongst the trees. Both buildings have a beautiful and contained garden for the children to play in, with sandpits, climbing spots, slides and hammocks.
Inside, the use of natural colours and simple furnishings creates a calming atmosphere, while a connection to nature is honoured with plants and seasonal decorations. These elements collectively contribute to a holistic and nurturing educational setting for young children.
Outdoor play
Both Kindergartens feature an inspiring outdoor area for young children. Beautiful trees, climbing areas, hammocks, sand-pits, slides and dens provide the children with opportunities to explore imaginatively and become confident in their bodies.
The children play outdoors in all weather, and once a week Kindergarten groups go for a nature walk in the woodlands surrounding the school. These activities, along with kindergarten’s seasonal festivals, help the children build a connection with the natural world, and the changing seasons of the year.
Come and find out more
Visit Nant-y-Cwm
Prospective parents are warmly invited to get in touch to arrange a school tour.