I can’t quite believe that we have come to the end of the academic year. Looking back, it is with great pride and happiness that I reflect on the many achievements and memorable moments we have shared. This year has been remarkable, full of growth, learning, and community spirit. It has also been a very special year for me personally, as it marks my first year as Head of Taunton Pre-Prep & Nursery.

This year, we proudly opened our new library, a bright and inviting space filled with a rich collection of books. This project was spearheaded by our inaugural School Council, a group of children who worked diligently to design a library that reflects the interests and needs of their peers, but feels fun with a variety of book characters decorating the walls. Their involvement in this project fostered a sense of ownership and pride, and the library has quickly become a favourite spot for reading and learning. Additionally, we improved our after-school food offering, introducing a variety of healthy and delicious snacks. The feedback from both parents and children has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are pleased to support the well-being of our students in this way. It is so important that our children feel that they have a voice in the decisions made and in effecting positive change for themselves and their friends.

Early in the Autumn term, we expanded Nursery and also had some room moves, so that each age group could have their own dedicated indoor and outdoor space to learn and grow. The exceptional care and nurturing environment created for our youngest children has brought an increasing number of families to our nursery and it has been a pleasure to welcome you all. The final stage of the expansion plan will be completed over the summer break, now that the office has been relocated. This will create additional spaces for babies, enabling more children to get the very best start with us. I am excited to unveil this new room, with a cosy home from home feel.

The festive spirit was brought to life in December by two incredible Christmas performances from both the Pre-Prep and N4 and Reception children. Parents and families were treated to delightful renditions of the Nativity, filled with heartfelt performances, brilliant costumes, great dance moves and beautifully rehearsed songs that captured the magic of the season. The enjoyment and pride on each child’s face were a testament to their hard work and the dedicated efforts of our staff.

Our first ever Careers Day was a tremendous success, giving our young learners a chance to explore a world of possibilities. We welcomed a diverse group of professionals from our parent body including doctors, dressmakers, engineers and chefs, who inspired the children with engaging presentations and hands-on activities. Thank you all once again for making this so successful. 

Finally, Celebration Day was a true highlight of the year. The Pre-Prep performance was sensational and of a professional quality well above the children’s young age. The sense of accomplishment and the supportive cheers from the audience created an uplifting atmosphere, reinforcing the values of hard work and team work in our school. Following that, our sports afternoon showcased the athletic abilities and team spirit of our pupils. The children participated enthusiastically in various races and games, from jumping to hurdles. It was a day of fun competition, with everyone striving for their personal best and cheering each other on. The final relay races were something that will stay with many of us for some time I’m sure and embodied our Pre-Prep values, ‘Be kind. Be keen.’

Over the summer break, our playground will undergo a wonderful transformation, providing our children with a vibrant and safe space for outdoor play. The new equipment will give the children opportunities to climb, build their own obstacle courses, grow their own food and encourage active play and social interaction. I can’t wait to see the result and to share this with you at the tea parties in September. 

This is just a small summary of some of the incredible developments and achievements this year but the most rewarding aspect of the last year has been getting to know the wonderful children and families who make our school community so vibrant. Your warmth, enthusiasm and support have enabled key changes within the Pre-Prep which will further enhance the learning environment for our children. 

As we look forward to the next academic year, I am excited to continue building on these achievements together. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. I wish you all a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you in the new school year.

Warm regards,

Becky Lewis