A typical day for Bright Stars at Cranmore

The daily routine is organised by our Nursery Manager, Mrs Suzanne Sandell, leading a team of well-qualified specialists for Early Years Foundation Stage.

Bright Stars is open from 8am until 6pm Monday to Friday.

Children arrive between 8am and 9am and breakfast is available if required.  They settle happily and engage in a range of different activities, such as playdough, painting, exploratory play, construction and puzzles.

Our younger children in Green Group have Circle Time at 9am which provides them with the opportunity to share their ideas with each other.  This is followed by a range of exciting and stimulating activities both indoors and in the garden throughout the morning.

The older children have adult-led activities in small groups to start their day, then choose what they would like to do.  These activities are carefully planned to encourage children’s language, fine and gross-motor skills, mathematical development, creative thinking and knowledge and understanding.

All children stop for a morning snack with their friends and enjoy a visit to the Sports Hall or Gym, the Music Suite or the Computer Room.

Some children leave before lunch at 12 noon but many stay until 1.15pm.

Our afternoon session starts with a quieter time for books and stories or a short nap for those who need it.  Afterwards there are adult-led activities such as science, drama and role-play, cooking, a visit to the library or a walk in the extensive grounds, as well as plenty of opportunities for children to choose what they would like to do from the many resources available to them.

Some children leave at 3.30pm, others stay until 4pm, 5pm or 6pm. Tea is served at 4.15pm.

Holiday Provision

During Cranmore School holidays Bright Stars continues to be open, offering a wide range of fun activities for those children whose parents wish them to attend. Hours and days are booked in advance so that there is the appropriate adult:child ratio to ensure a safe and enjoyable day for all.

Every Friday during term time  2 - 3.30pm

Friday March 4th	“Developing Good Eating Skills in your Child”- A talk by Mrs Bonwitt-Marsh and an opportunity to ask questions
Friday March 11th	Plant some cress seeds and watch them grow at home
Friday March 18th	Spring crafts - what will you make today?
Friday March 25th	Easter Egg Hunt in our Bright Stars garden

Come along and join in the fun!

Refreshments provided

Intergenerational Learning
We at the Learningden we make sure that children are exposed to as many different things as possible. We have found that spending time with older people not only benefits the children but it helps the seniors as well. We offer a program which includes trips to Villa Santa Barbara to do projects with the seniors 3-4 times a year.

Dance- This Bi monthly class incorporates, dancing, dramatic play and fun!! Creative movement is a form of movement that embraces children of all genders, ages and abilities, including those with developmental challenges. It is a non-competitive, success-oriented activity that engages the child’s body, mind and spirit.


Music-Our Music program is Kindermusic based and offers children the opportunity to sing and play instruments. Our Music teacher Mrs. Molly comes once a week and this program is offered to all students, free of charge. Our curriculum lets children develop their innate musical abilities in early childhood and gives them a sound foundation for further musical instruction Children learn and perform at the end of the year during the summer potluck and graduation.


Yoga- Yoga enhances children’s flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. Doing yoga, children exercise, play, connect more deeply with the inner self, and develop an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounds them. We offer Yoga starting in November and it is a once a week class.

P.E- Physical education is a new addition to the Learningden Preschool Specialty Program. This once week class is provided by Stretch and Grow a local company with fitness professionals specially trained in working with young children. This program not only teaches the children about the benefits of exercise but a monthly newsletter goes home with the children explaining what they are working on as well as tips for parents on appropriate activity for your child as well as nutrition. We are really excited about this new weekly class.

Cooking- Nutrition and cooking is a very important part of our culture at the school. Cooking  is used to accompany themes, as well as teach children about science, math, and multi cultural learning. Once a week every class does a cooking project that either gets eaten at the school or occasionally is sent home to share with their family. We let the children make their own food and prepare all ingredients. This is a great way to also teach children about nutrition and the environment.