Butterfly Room (Pre School)
The staff ratio for the Butterfly Room (Pre School) is 1:8. We strongly believe that children learn through play and for this purpose appropriate equipment and materials are available to enrich the children’s enthusiasm to learn.
All children are encouraged to use the computers located within the Butterfly Room (Pre School) unit. Themes are selected monthly and visits are arranged from local ‘people who help us’, such as fire fighters and policemen, when appropriate to the topic.
Each child will continue to have their own Learning Journal which has accompanied them throughout their journey from Caterpillars to Butterflies. This Learning Journal will continue to detail their individual development to date including ‘wow moments’ and photos.
Children leaving Millwood House for ‘Big School’ graduate in cap and gown at our Graduation Ceremony. This is always well attended by parents and extended family members and traditionally becomes an afternoon tea party in our large garden. There is often a tear of pride and happiness shed as each child graduates - and that's just from the Millwood House Team!
Every child who leaves Millwood House is well prepared for entrance into any private or state school. Leaver’s reports are supplied on request.
🦋 The 7 Areas of Learning – Butterfly Room (Pre-School)
💛 Personal, Social and Emotional Development
In the Butterfly Room, children develop a strong sense of self and begin to form deeper friendships built on cooperation, empathy and shared play. Practitioners support children as they learn to manage their emotions, resolve conflicts and express their feelings in positive ways. With growing independence, children take pride in helping others, making choices and taking responsibility for small tasks. These experiences build confidence, resilience and emotional readiness for their transition to school.
🧠 Communication and Language
Children’s communication skills flourish at this age as they engage in longer conversations, ask thoughtful questions and share their ideas with increasing clarity. Practitioners model rich vocabulary, encourage storytelling and support children to listen carefully to others. Through group discussions, role play, story time and imaginative play, children develop the language skills they need to express themselves confidently and understand the world around them.
🧩 Physical Development
The Butterflies are eager to challenge themselves physically. Our environment offers opportunities to climb, balance, run, jump and move with growing control and coordination. Fine motor skills are strengthened through activities such as drawing, cutting, threading, construction and early writing. Practitioners support children as they develop independence in dressing, toileting and healthy routines, helping them build the physical confidence needed for school readiness.
🔍 Understanding the World
Children in the Butterfly Room are curious thinkers who love to explore how things work. We provide hands on experiences with nature, simple science investigations, technology, cooking, and discussions about families, cultures and communities. Practitioners encourage children to observe, predict, question and make connections, helping them develop a deeper understanding of their environment and the wider world.
🔢 Mathematics
Mathematical understanding becomes more structured as children begin to recognise numbers, count with accuracy and explore early addition and subtraction through play. Practitioners introduce shapes, patterns, measurement and problem solving in meaningful, practical ways. Whether building towers, sorting objects, playing board games or exploring number rhymes, children develop strong early maths skills that prepare them for Reception.
📚Literacy
A love of literacy continues to grow as children engage with stories, poems and non fiction books. Practitioners support children to recognise letters and sounds, talk about story structure and begin to link spoken sounds to written marks. Mark making becomes more purposeful as children practise writing their names, forming letters and creating their own stories. These early literacy experiences lay the foundations for confident reading and writing.
🎨 Expressive Arts and Design
Creativity thrives in the Butterfly Room. Children explore a wide range of materials, tools and techniques, developing their artistic skills and expressing their ideas with increasing imagination. Role play, music, dance, construction and small world play allow children to experiment, create and collaborate. Practitioners encourage originality, problem solving and confidence, helping children develop a strong creative voice.
