Nursery

The Octagon Nursery, opened in September 2004, is specially designed for the very young pupil with quiet, wet and dry play areas. A qualified teacher is assisted by nursery nurses. The aim in Nursery is to settle the girls happily into the slightly more formal routine of school and to begin learning the pre-reading, writing and number skills in an enjoyable and relaxed manner. Pupils enjoy many opportunities to develop fine and gross motor skills, to paint, collage, junk model and role play.

Admission can be in September, January or April but pupils must be aged at least 2½. at the time of entry. Attendance can be either full days or mornings only with or without lunch.
Kindergarten

Girls enter Kindergarten in the September following their third birthday. A small number of places are reserved for parents who prefer entry at this point. There are two Kindergarten classes with a maximum of 18 pupils in each. We prefer all our pupils to be full time in Kindergarten but new girls may wish to be part time for the first few weeks.

Reception

Edgbaston High School becomes a three form entry from Reception and a number of places are again available at this point. By the end of Reception all pupils are confident and ready for a smooth transition into the Preparatory Department.

The School Day

Westbourne pupils may enter school from 8.20 a.m. but must arrive by 8.45 a.m. at the latest. Pupils go straight into their respective classrooms.

School ends at 3.15 p.m. Nursery, K1 and K2 pupils are collected from their classrooms. Reception pupils are dismissed from the front door. Pupils are released only to a known adult.

Before School Care

There is provision for pupils to be cared for from 8am until the start of morning school. The girls enjoy structured activities and are then escorted to their respective classrooms.

After School Care

After school care is available from 3.15 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. every day. Children are given an appropriate light snack, enjoy some outside play and organised indoor activities.

Pupils may register for regular or occasional attendance in after school care. There is also a facility for emergency attendance. Some of the girls would like to stay in after school care rather than go home!