Here, we believe in creating a nurturing, inclusive and inspiring environment where every child can thrive. Our Prep department, catering to children aged 5 to 11 years, is designed to provide individualised attention and a strong sense of community. Housed in its own dedicated building, with a single-form intake and high staff to pupil ratios, we ensure each child is valued, supported and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Below you will find key information to help you and your child feel fully prepared for the school day.
Drop-off and collection
To help your day run smoothly, we have established a clear and efficient drop-off and collection system:
Drop-off: Children should arrive at the front of the Prep building via the pedestrian gate between 8:30am and 8:45am, where a member of the teaching staff will be there to greet them with a warm welcome.
Collection: At the end of the school day, children will be brought to the front of the Prep building ready for collection and, to make collection easier for parents, we operate a staggered finish across year groups:
- Prep I and II – 3:20pm
- Prep III and IV – 3:25pm
- Prep V and VI – 3:30pm
Extended Day
We understand the demands of family life, which is why we offer practical wraparound care to suit your schedule:
Early Club: Begins at 7:30am and is available to children from Kindergarten through to Prep VI, in the Prep Library.
Late Club: Our after school provision ensures your child is cared for until 6:00pm, with trained staff supervising children in the relaxed setting of the Prep Library.
For added flexibility, our Extended Day facility is available without prior notice, giving you peace of mind should your plans unexpectedly change.
Lunchtime
Lunchtime at Bridgewater is a chance for pupils to enjoy freshly prepared, nutritious meals in a welcoming, inclusive and restorative environment. Our in-house catering team creates varied menus on a three-week rotation, ensuring options that cater to all diets, cultures and religious needs.
Homework
Homework plays a vital role in supporting classroom learning and strengthening the partnership between school and home. Designed to reinforce key skills in literacy and numeracy, it also encourages pupils to develop confidence, self-discipline and independent study habits. Each child is provided with a homework diary for recording assignments and communicating between school and home, while Prep VI pupils use the ClassCharts platform to ease the transition into Senior School.
Our approach blends traditional tasks with innovative online tools such as TimesTables Rockstars, Reading Eggs and Typing Club, which make learning interactive and fun while providing valuable feedback for teachers. These resources are complemented by more conventional activities such as reading and maths practice, ensuring pupils receive a well-rounded and engaging homework experience.
In the Prep department, our values of inclusivity, intellect, integrity and inspiration are woven into every aspect of school life. We are committed to supporting each child in becoming a confident, capable learner who is excited to face new challenges every day.
If you have further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to welcoming you into our Prep community.
