This September 2023, Malvern St James Girls' School is marking the first anniversary of its nursery, MSJ Minis, celebrating one whole year of kickstarting pupils' education in an inspiring and nurturing all-girls' setting.
Providing a purpose-built learning environment for girls aged three to four, MSJ Minis is a bespoke space on the school's Worcestershire campus — offering a 'happy hideaway of creativity and calm' where pupils can enjoy role play, creative mark making and free play.
Outdoor education is a big part of the nursery's curriculum and pupils are encouraged to enjoy time outside every day, getting up close to nature and playing in the mud kitchen at woodland school.
Meanwhile, classroom learning is seamlessly integrated into the daily schedule, with small class sizes and a high teacher-to-pupil ratio to give each girl the attention and support they need in the early years foundation stage of their education.
Making full use of the senior school's facilities, MSJ Minis also offers weekly swimming sessions; regular days out, including trips to the beach; and over 30 after-school activities for little ones to discover. Nursery pupils even start learning French!
Pupils benefit from the expertise of Malvern St James's teaching staff and award-winning pastoral care provision — and being based on the main school campus means they have the older students to look up to as role models and continuity of education after their foundational years, too, should they stay on at the leading independent school.
All this is offered in a nurturing all-girls' setting, giving youngsters the opportunity to explore their interests in an environment that's free from gendered stereotypes, expectations and limitations.
And with no all-girls' nurseries in Gloucestershire, MSJ Minis gives local parents the opportunity to enrol their daughter in a single-sex school from an early age.
To mark its first anniversary, MSJ Minis is hosting a special event on Thursday 28 September 2023, where prospective parents can visit to find out more about its offering.
Inspired by the nursery's strapline, 'Mini but Mighty', the superhero-themed celebration invites current pupils to dress up — with all attendees welcome to don their best costumes, too — and enjoy a mini afternoon tea. Guests also have the opportunity to tour the nursery, getting a first look at its facilities and impressive outdoor spaces, or even the whole school.
MSJ Minis prides itself on offering flexible provisions for modern families, with wraparound care options for busy parents.
It also accepts government-funded care — with all three- and four-year-olds eligible to claim at least 15 hours of Nursery Education Funding, and many families able to claim 30 hours — for its full 'school days', which start at 8am and finish at 3.30pm. Children are welcome to stay for longer, with any unfunded hours charged at the hourly rate of £5.15.
MSJ Minis also accepts tax-free childcare payments for any billable hours for pupils under compulsory school age, meaning pupils can benefit from the nursery's fantastic facilities at minimal cost to their parents.
Anyone interested in finding out more about MSJ Minis is welcome to join its first anniversary party, starting at 2.30pm on Thursday 28 September 2023. Register via malvernstjames.co.uk/visits-and-open-days.
To enquire about a place for your daughter, contact the admissions team at admissions@malvernstjames.co.uk or by calling (01684) 584625.
