Many of the Quaker institutions across England and Ireland offer excellent early years education programmes to support early development and give children a quality foundation for lifelong learning.
Each school has its own age range and starting criteria that children need to meet in order to be enrolled. No two Quaker schools are the same and each offer a unique and enriching education for all students, regardless of age.
Take a look at the schools that provide early years education:
Ackworth School
Pontefract, West Yorkshire
Ackworth School teach children from the age of 2½ to 4. Their admission is based on a ‘nursery ready’ taster session and they tailor their sessions to suit the needs of the children they have in each class. This school is based in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
More infoBootham School
York, North Yorkshire
At Bootham School, York, education starts from the age of 3 all the way through to 18. Their nursery classes provide the perfect foundation to a successful lifetime of learning and both child and parent have a close relationship with the nursery staff.
More infoFriends’ School Lisburn
Lisburn, Northern Ireland
Friends’ School Lisburn offers a pre-prep department for children between 2 years 9 months and 4 years. It helps get them ready for the exciting challenges of school in a secure, happy environment.
More infoThe Mount School
York, North Yorkshire
There’s never a dull moment in The Mount Pre-School, York. With free play and structured topic activities, your child will learn inside and outside the classroom to help them develop confidence, creativity and communication skills. Children can start at the Mount from age 2.
More infoSibford School
Banbury, Oxfordshire
Learning at Sibford School is hands on and gives early learners a great start to their education. They study and play both inside the classroom and out. Children aged 3 will start with morning or afternoon sessions and can increase their time with Sibford as the year goes on. This school is based in Banbury, Oxfordshire.
More infoSidcot School
Winscombe, North Somerset
When your child starts nursery at Sidcot School aged 3, their teacher will already be a friendly face. Teachers visit your home and get to know you and your son or daughter, learn their interests and dislikes so they can offer a friendly and enriching activity schedule. This school is based in Winscombe, Somerset.
More infoWhat are the benefits to early years education?
There are many benefits to formal early years education for your children. In a school setting, children begin making friends and developing their social abilities. They learn to share, build confidence and develop their language, emotional intelligence and intellectual skills.
Your child will spend time both inside and outside the classroom in safe spaces where they can explore, gain new experiences and enjoy learning. Their time is divided between structured activity and free play where they will be encouraged to make decisions about their own preferences and develop their interests.
Quaker philosophy informs the teaching decisions made in our schools, but is free from dogma. Your child will learn our values of friendship, respect and peaceful conflict resolution, things people of all faiths and belief systems can appreciate. Most of the children and staff in our schools do not identify themselves as Quakers, but share in our values.
Children are curious and want to learn about the world around them. By enrolling your child in one of our early years educational programmes, we can help capture that love of learning and make sure they carry it with them through formal schooling and in to their adult lives.
Fees
Our early years educational programmes do have fees attached. How much these are depends on the school you’re interested in and how many hours a week your child will be in our care.
However, don’t let this charge discourage you from applying, as many of the schools offer funding schemes and some local authorities offer Nursery Vouchers that can be used to cover some of the costs.
Contact the school you’re interested in for more information about fees and support schemes.
Find a Quaker school