4+ Entry

Sixty-four pupils join the Pre-Preparatory School. Each of the 4 reception classes has one full-time teacher and teaching assistant.

How old does my child need to be?

4 years old by 1 September in the year of entry.

What is the assessment procedure?

A series of low-key activities which include:- picture recognition, some letter recognition, following a pattern, knowing colours, counting, drawing, naming simple shapes, sequencing, listening to a story, playing and responding sensibly to the adults who are present.

What are we looking for?

• Language development and understanding
• Interest and involvement
• Concentration
• Interaction with adults and peers
• Co-operation
• Co-ordination and motor skills
• Maturity

We want to see if this will be the best place for your child and if we feel they are and will be ready for the type of education that we offer at Forest. For this reason, we would request you do not specifically prepare your child for the 4+ assessment procedure.

Early Years Foundation Stage

In Reception, there is a balance of structured activities and free-play learning activities, both indoors and outdoors each day. We follow the Little Wandle Phonics Programme and the Oxford Reading Tree, supported by many well-known reading schemes to develop reading skills.

There are numerous fun activities to prepare Reception pupils for more formal work in literacy and numeracy in Years 1 and 2.

Developing pupils’ social skills is also a major part of the Reception curriculum.

Other useful information

The School day is from 8.35am – 3.30pm. Pupils are welcomed to their classrooms from 8.00am and supervised in the playground after school until 4.00pm. An extended School day is available (at extra cost) with Breakfast Club from 7.30am – 8.00am and After School Care from 4.00pm – 6.00pm.

Guidelines 4+ 2026

An Introduction to Forest Pre-Prep and Preparatory School

Prep School Lent Term 2023/24 Clubs

Forest Prep School – Wrap Around Care 2025/26

Prep School Lunch Menu 2025

Preparatory Registration Form