St. Martin's Nursery

The Best Start to a Brighter Future

Welcome to St. Martin's Nursery in Northwood, where we believe that a lifelong love of learning begins with a happy and secure start. Our aim is to provide your son with the very best introduction to education in a joyful, nurturing, and creative environment that feels like an extension of home. Here, our youngest boys (ages 3-4) are encouraged to be happy, curious, and confident, as they take their first steps into our remarkable preparatory school community.
Book Your Visit to St. Martin's Nursery
"Our approach is founded on the philosophy that happy children learn better. In our Nursery, we create a secure and supportive community where your son can flourish. We focus on building strong relationships between staff and pupils, allowing each boy to feel known, valued, and understood."
Mr Ryan Steward, Senior Deputy Head and Head of Pre-Prep

The Little Martin’s Framework

Our Nursery curriculum is carefully designed to be practical, engaging, and taught through a range of stimulating topics that ignite a boy’s natural curiosity. Every day is a new adventure, balancing structured play with guided exploration, ensuring a seamless flow from one exciting lesson or activity to the next.

Learning Foundations

Our curriculum is built on a robust foundation of communication, language, literacy, and numeracy. We use research-backed methods, like phonics, to unlock the magic of reading and writing, while our hands-on mathematical exploration makes numbers and shapes a part of everyday discovery. This early mastery provides the essential building blocks for lifelong learning.
Phonics & Early Reading: A systematic and joyful approach to decoding, enabling confident and independent readers.
Early Writing & Mark-Making: Encouraging creative expression and fine motor skills as children learn to communicate through symbols and letters.
Communication & Language Development: Fostering listening, speaking, and storytelling skills to build a rich vocabulary and connect with others.
Mathematical Exploration: Using songs, games, and real-world objects to build a deep understanding of number, shape, space, and measure.

Creative Expression

Here, creativity is a journey of joyful discovery. Through music, movement, drama, and art, children build confidence, ignite their imaginations, and learn to express themselves. Our dedicated spaces and passionate educators empower them to take creative risks, fostering a sense of self-worth and a love for the arts that lasts a lifetime.
Music & Movement: Exploring rhythm, sound, and melody to develop coordination and emotional expression.
Role Play & Drama Corners: Stepping into different worlds to build confidence, communication, and empathy.
Painting, Drawing, Model Making: Using diverse media to translate ideas into tangible creations and develop fine motor skills.

Explorers

Here, creativity is a journey of joyful discovery. Through music, movement, drama, and art, children build confidence, ignite their imaginations, and learn to express themselves. Our dedicated spaces and passionate educators empower them to take creative risks, fostering a sense of self-worth and a love for the arts that lasts a lifetime.
The Natural World: Cultivating a sense of wonder and care for living things and the environment.
Cause & Effect (STEM-linked investigations): Engaging in hands-on activities to understand scientific principles and develop a scientific mindset.
Early Geography: Discovering their place in the world through maps, weather, and explorations of the local area.

Physical Development

We believe a dynamic education extends far beyond the classroom walls. Our physical development programme is a blend of targeted skill-building, PE and adventurous outdoor exploration. From the natural challenges of our Forest School sessions to the foundational work on gross and fine motor skills, we build strong bodies and resilient minds, equipping children with the confidence to take on any challenge.

Forest School Sessions: Harnessing the power of nature to foster resilience, problem-solving, and a sense of adventure.
Sensory Play & Free Outdoor Exploration: Using our extensive grounds to stimulate the senses and encourage independent, child-led discovery.

Gross & Fine Motor Skills: Developing strength, balance, coordination, and dexterity through climbing, building, and play in specialist PE lessons

Personal Growth

Our approach to 'Personal Growth' ensures every child is seen, known, and valued. We provide a supportive, family atmosphere where children learn about their own identity, build meaningful relationships, and understand the importance of empathy and kindness. Through direct coaching and a focus on self-regulation, we prepare them to be confident, compassionate, and self-assured individuals.
Learning About Me & My Family: Acknowledging and celebrating each child's unique identity and background.
Emotions & Self-Regulation (Zones of Regulation): Providing tools and strategies to understand and manage big feelings.
Turn-Taking, Kindness, Friendships: Fostering cooperation and respect to build a strong, inclusive community.

Innovation

In a rapidly changing world, 'Innovation' is not just a subject, but a mindset. We seamlessly integrate technology and critical thinking into our curriculum, giving children the digital confidence they need for a future-ready education. Through playful, hands-on activities, they explore how things work, developing logical reasoning and problem-solving skills that are essential for the digital age.
Cause-and-effect tech (Beebots, simple apps): Using robotics and simple apps to explore foundational coding concepts through play.
Exploring how things work: Satisfying natural curiosity by deconstructing and understanding everyday mechanics.
Story-based coding play: Integrating technology into storytelling to build narrative skills alongside digital literacy.

Discovery

Our 'Discovery' programme is all about empowering children with practical life skills, independence, and a sense of responsibility. From early cookery lessons that link to healthy eating and maths, to daily routines that build organisation, we provide the tools for children to become confident, capable learners who are ready to engage with the world and take pride in their growing independence.
Early Cookery & Food Prep: Learning about nutrition, following instructions, and exploring new tastes in a hands-on, safe environment.
Dressing Independently, Organisation Skill Learning: Building self-reliance and confidence through daily routines and personal responsibility.
Learning Routines & Taking Responsibility: Understanding daily rhythms and taking ownership of their learning and environment.

Transitioning into Reception Class

Choosing a nursery is a significant step, and knowing your son is prepared for what comes next is a major reassurance. Our Nursery program is strategically designed to ensure a smooth, confident, and joyful transition into the next stage of his learning journey: Reception Class.

Because St. Martin's is a proudly independent, all-through school for boys aged 3-13 , our Nursery children have a natural pathway into the Pre-Prep. This ensures continuity in their education and a familiar, caring community as they grow.

Practical Information for Parents

We understand you have many questions as you choose the right nursery. Here are some key resources to help you with your decision:
Our flexible wrap-around care options are designed to support the needs of modern families.
See Wrap Around Care
We believe in transparent and straightforward fee management. Find out about our fees and the funding options available to eligible families.
View fees & funding

Ready to Begin Your Journey

We invite you to experience the vibrant atmosphere and strong sense of community at our Nursery. The best way to understand the St. Martin’s difference is to see it for yourself.
Contact our Admissions Office

"*" indicates required fields