Please note that AZBUKA Nursery and Pre-school (Reception) is now part of AZBUKA Independent Primary school. Please visit the full-time School section of this website (AZBUKA Russian-English primary school) for full-information on the Policies, Procedures, Term dates, Fees, and other useful information for the parents.
The AZBUKA Nursery and Pre-school (Reception) admits children between the ages of two and four. To ensure our children receive the best possible attention we provide a child/teacher ratio of 3:1 for 2 year olds and 6:1 for 3-5 year olds.
At AZBUKA Nursery we take a child-centered approach to teaching and learning based on active learning and individual inquiry, allowing our children to explore our world through stimulating learning experiences and play-based activities.
Early Years Foundation Stage Policy
AZBUKA Curriculum Topics EYFS 2023-2024
The AZBUKA Nursery runs in accordance with its Policies and Procedures. The full set of Policies and Procedures is kept in the school office and the parents information area.
Curriculum
Our Curriculum has been designed to conform to EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) and the requirements of the English pre-school education system while at the same time delivering a bilingual education and incorporating Russian educational traditions.
Areas of learning and development
Personal, social and emotional development , communication and language in the bilingual context, physical development as well as literacy in the bilingual context, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts and design. Daily activities are based on a two-week theme/topic and are complemented with excursions, outings, visits, cultural events, celebrations and theatre productions. There are ongoing cookery projects
every week and music and dance sessions. Outdoor activities take place every day in addition to visits and projects with external companies and professionals.
Language distribution in the curriculum
At Nursery level, 90% (Russian) – 10% (English). In line with best practice for bilingual education, emphasis is placed on the foundation and development of Russian as a minority language in our society.
90% of our activities are led in Russian. The school implements a one-language-one teacher
arrangement, giving children the opportunity to learn from native speakers and to use both languages with increasing fluency.
Reception level (4 year olds): 80% (Russian) – 20% (English). In Reception, children spend approximately two days a week with the English teacher and the other three days in a Russian learning environment.
Teachers
All our teachers are qualified and highly experienced in working with small children. Most have been working for AZBUKA for many years and are deeply committed to the care and education of our children.
They are native Russian, English, Ukrainian or bilingual speakers. All are DBS-checked. The excellent child/teacher ratio is one of the greatest strengths of the AZBUKA School and Nursery.
Observations, assessments and progress
We have ongoing observations of our children, using journals, formative and summative assessments, two-year old checks, individual plans and end of year reports.
Nursery/Reception lunches
We offer the option of either a packed lunch or a hot school lunch (subject to availability).
Uniform
Nursery: children may wear their own comfortable clothes.
Reception class: we have compulsory uniform from Reception class.
Timetable Nursery (2-4 years)
9.30 – 13.00/14.30
Minimum of 3 days’ attendance
Timetable Reception (4 years)
8.45 – 15.15
5/4 days a week
Fees
Admission
Please refer to School Admission Policy
Open Days for parents
Open days are run twice a year.
Term dates
The school website is under development and updated regularly.
The full version of the Policies and Procedures as well as all other documents are available in hard copy at the school office.