Fox Cubs Pre-chool

Welcome to Fox Cubs Nursery, where children have fun, build positive relationships and learn in a calm, happy and nurturing environment. Our children enjoy access to amazing spaces, including our forest area and garden, which provide exciting opportunities for exploration, play and discovery. 

Fox Cubs Pre-school is a high-quality, teacher-led provision for 3 and 4 year olds, encouraging independence and confidence through fun, engaging learning experiences in a caring and supportive setting. As part of Banks St Stephen’s School, our nursery reflects the same high-quality provision found throughout the school. The nursery classroom is located next door to the Reception classroom and forms an important part of our Early Years provision. 

The maximum number of children we can have in nursery is 26 and currently a limited number of spaces are available. Please don't delay if you need a place. We are also taking advance bookings for 2026/2027

Opening Times and Fees

Nursery class is open from 8.45am till 3.00pm. The main sessions are from 9am-12 noon and 12 noon-3pm. Each hour costs £5, so a half day morning or afternoon session is £15 and a full day is £30. These hours can be paid for from childcare vouchers. See link below for full information on childcare vouchers. 

Help Paying for Childcare (Lancashire County Council)

Funded Childcare for 3 and 4 year olds

15 hours free childcare is available for all children aged 3-4 from the term after they turn 3, as well as 30 hours funded childcare for some parents of 3-4 year old children. Childcare may be cheaper than you think or even free and of course you can combine paid sessions with funded sessions. 

Please see the links above for more information and Mrs Ousey in our school office will also be happy to help. 

Wraparound care (breakfast and afterschool club) is also available from 7.45am till 6pm. We aim to provide good value for parents, as we are a non-profit making school provision. Please see our Wraparound page for further details.

 Daily/weekly routines (e.g. PE days, library day) 

Monday - Library 

Please return library books and reading records so your child can choose a new one 
 

Tuesday - Mrs Fitch will be covering Mrs Swift's PPA until 11am 

Show and Tell 

Wednesday - Forest School 
All-weather suits and wellies are provided in school. 

Thursday - Miss Brown in class all day. 
 

Friday - P.E. 

Please dress your child in comfortable P.E clothing and trainers. 

• Children should please bring water bottles to school every day - these should be clearly labelled with their names.  

• Please ensure that all items of clothing are clearly labelled - hopefully this will help us to avoid things getting lost. 

Characteristics of Effective Learning   

Here at Banks St Stephen’s, we believe in the power of learning through play. We focus on providing a stimulating environment where children can explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences. The characteristics of effective learning are at the heart of our teaching approach. We value and encourage children's curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills. By fostering these characteristics, we aim to inspire a lifelong love for learning in our young learners.   

Phonics 

In Nursery we focus on Phase 1 Phonics, following the Red Rose Phonics scheme. Phonics is introduced through daily, playful and engaging activities that develop children’s listening and attention skills. We support children in tuning into sounds in the environment, exploring rhythm and rhyme, and experimenting with voice sounds, alliteration, and oral blending. By weaving phonics into our everyday routines and play, we aim to build strong early foundations for speaking, listening and future reading and writing development. 

We value the important role families play in supporting children’s learning and development. You can help your child at home by encouraging independence in everyday tasks such as putting on coats and shoes, using the toilet independently and tidying away toys. 

Sharing stories together every day is one of the best ways to support your child’s language and early reading skills. Talking, singing, playing games and encouraging curiosity through play will also help your child to grow in confidence and develop a love of learning. 

All year round uniform: 

Examples of Banks St Stephen's Uniform items

Fox Cubs sweatshirts orTracksuit

· Charcoal Grey or Black Trousers or Shorts 

· Pale Blue or White Polo T-Shirt 

· Royal Blue Round Neck Pullover 

· Grey or Black Socks 

· Black Shoes 

Winter (September - April) 

· Charcoal Grey Skirt/Pinafore/Smart Trousers 

· Pale Blue or White Polo T-Shirt 

· Royal Blue Cardigan or Round Neck Pullover 

· White Socks/Grey Tights 

· Black Shoes 

Summer (April - September) 

· Pale Blue and White Gingham Dress 

· Pale Blue or White Polo T-Shirt 

· Royal Blue Cardigan or Round Neck Pullover 

Footwear: 

Comfortable, suitable footwear including trainers for nursery children. High heels are not acceptable. For information, if you are unsure of the suitability of footwear, please ask a member of staff). Acceptable footwear is at the discretion of the Headteacher. 

Outdoor Clothing: 

Outdoor wear should be a warm coat, preferably with a hood. Scarves, gloves, and hats may be worn during cold weather but these should not be worn in the school buildings. 

Bags and Belongings: 

Please bring a named bag which contains a spare set of clothes.

P.E. and Games Kit: 

Child come dressed in their P.E. kit on the days they have P.E. lessons. Black shorts, pale blue T-shirts (with or without the school logo) and black plimsolls. Trainers can be worn for outdoor sport 

In cold weather, children can bring a pair of plain royal blue jogging bottoms to wear over their PE clothes. A plain royal blue hoodie, sweatshirt, or tracksuit top is also acceptable (or school jumper or cardigan can be worn on top of the PE T-shirt). 

- Tracksuits, sweatshirts, and hoodies should not be designer items with logos) 

Our official uniform can be ordered online from www.myclothing.com or bought from Whittakers Online or Uniform shop in Southport. https://www.whittakersschoolwear.co.uk/product-category/southport/banks-st-stephens-c-of-e-primary-school/ 

Learning Outdoors in the Forest: 

Pupils learning in the forest may need a change of clothes – their teacher will advise. Children can bring a pair of black jogging bottoms, clean socks, a plain royal blue hoodie, sweatshirt, or tracksuit top, and trainers or wellies. 

Swimming: 

Girls: 

One-piece swimming costume, towel, and swimming cap 

Boys: 

Swimming trunks or swimming shorts (no Bermuda shorts or PE shorts), towel, and swimming cap 

Goggles for swimming (only allowed after parental permission form received by school) 

Earrings: 

Earrings are allowed in school but must be stud earrings and not hoops for safety reasons. Students are required to remove earrings before participating in physical education (PE) activities. 

Jewellery and Hairstyles: 

For health and safety reasons, we do not allow children to wear jewellery with the exception of a watch. If a student needs to wear a piece of jewellery for medical or religious reasons, it should be removed or covered up during physical activity or during practical learning. Jewellery worn for medical or religious reasons will only be allowed once approval has been sought and agreed in writing in advance. Hair should not obscure a student’s vision. Extreme hairstyles, gel, or colourings are not allowed. If parents are unsure as to the suitability of a hairstyle, they should check with the staff in school first. Long hair should always be tied back, especially during PE lessons or practical activities. Hair accessories should be small, plain, and blue. Make-up is not allowed at any time. Nail varnish or false nails are not allowed. 

School Uniform Support: We have a stock of various sized, donated school uniform items available. These are completely free and subject to availability. If you need any items for your child, please contact the school office.

Autumn 2025/2026

Spring 2026

Summer 2026