Early Years: Extra-Curricular - Gateways School

NEXT STEPS Prep School Ages 5-11

Why Littlegates?

In recent years the Government has called for more formal, structured learning in England's nurseries and playgroups and advocated schools as the best place for this. This is because it offers a head-start to a child's formal education and with seamless transition, it provides an excellent platform into Reception and Year 1. Our outstanding Early Years provision was recently recognised at the Nursery World Awards where Gateways School were awarded the 'Best Early Years provision in school'.

How To Apply

Extra-curricular

Children in Early Years are actively encouraged to discover their individual talents and our staff ensure they are offered a fun range of extra-curricular activities to help them do this.

Examples of extra-curricular opportunities for our Early Years pupils include; dance lessons, Spanish and rugby. Please note that some extra-curricular activities are run by external providers and as such will be charged for.

Sport and Enrichment in School

Within the school day children are able to participate in many sporting activities with the Prep PE teacher including rugby, hockey and athletics. Children receive taster sessions with specialist sports coaches throughout the year. In the past these have included coaches from Yorkshire Cricket, Leeds Gymnastics, Tennis Tots and Rugby tots.

We hold enrichment days to promote specific interest and skills for example our Spring into Action Day promoting a healthy lifestyle and Creative Expression Day encouraging interest in the arts. Pupils in Early Years perform in two musical concerts a year. In addition “Bonkers for Conkers” week in the Autumn term is always popular!

A Day in the life of ...

Luca in Early Years

8:20am

Mummy and daddy drop me off at Littlegates in the morning. I put my name card up and unpack my belongings for the day ahead. Mrs Watford rings the bell at 8.40am which means it’s time to take the register and pick a star helper.

9.00am

We start the day with our phonics lessons. We learn a new sound each day; Mrs Watford teaches me new sounds and I learn to write words. My favourite part is completing the workbook.

11.00am

At 11 o'clock we go to the field for break time. I get to play on the equipment with my friends and I also get to see my year 5 buddy. I like playing basketball with my friends.

12.00pm

At 11.30am we have our lunch in the dining room. After lunch time we have a maths lesson; we do lots of fun activities in maths. Today we are making amounts to 5 and sing a counting song. After Maths, we then go and play outside with the rest of Prep School.

1.30pm

Mrs Watford listens to me reading a book. We talk about the pictures and I read new words. I get to take the book home to read to my mummy and daddy.

2.30pm

Every week we have an art lesson. I enjoy painting, drawing and creating. We put our art work up in the classroom for everyone to see. I really enjoyed making a paper snake.

3.00pm

At 3 o’clock we get ready for home time. Today I have an after school rugby club so I get changed into my PE kit. We learn lots of new skills and I enjoy having fun with my friends.

What's happening in Littlegates?

LATEST NEWS

4th April 2025

Cherryvine – Spring 25

Below is a link to our Spring term issue of Cherryvine. In this issue, we focus on academic leadership and chat with our Deputy Heads, Mrs Prince and Mrs Carver.  We also...

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18th December 2024

Cherryvine – Autumn 24...

Below is a link to our Autumn term issue of Cherryvine. In this issue, we focus on languages, enrichment as well as a round up of this term’s trips and events. Enjoy...

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1st October 2024

Nursery World Award winners...

We are delighted to announce that Gateways have been awarded the ‘Best in School’ for our Early Years provision at the prestigious 2024 Nursery World Awards. Having been Nursery World Award finalists...

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