Our Philosophy

Rain Trees follows an international topic based curriculum that focuses on the development of the whole child using a multi-sensory approach. Our children learn through hands on, exploration and play. Our highly qualified teachers ensure that all our children reach developmental milestones through a fun and interactive approach to learning. Group and individual activities are blended to provide a balance of skills and experience for your child.

Our approach is to foster a love of learning, problem solving, experimentation and inquisitiveness to provide a solid foundation for your child’s future. The emphasis is on learning through play in an environment planned to stimulate discovery, independence and social interaction. Children are encouraged to help themselves, take initiative and become increasingly independent in order to develop self-esteem and social competence. It is important that children develop a sense of trust and are comfortable in their environment.

The learning and development of the children is not just confined to the internal setting of the kindergarten but is extended to the large and safe outdoor play area. We view the external environment as another classroom. This allows the children to explore their surroundings and exercise their imagination.

The curriculum used at the school is based on the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and has seven learning areas:

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Communication
  • Language and Literacy
  • Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
  • Knowledge and Understanding of the World
  • Physical Development
  • Creative Development

Testimonials

Sienna attended Rain Trees Kindergarten for two years , and what a great grounding she got for her next step to big school. She absolutely loved attending Rain Trees, and her teacher’s, Ms Tina and Ms Karen, created memories for Sienna that I am sure she will never forget. Rain Trees manages to balance very well the play environment and the learning environment, so that the children are learning the basics in a fun, but structured way. Sienna’s transition to her new school was seamless, and I can thank Rain Trees for giving Sienna such a great start to her little school life, by giving her the tools to proceed with confidence. As a mother, that is something that I never take for granted.

My twins have been attending Rain Trees since they were 18 months, initially in the parent accompanied group and now they rush in happily everyday with scarcely time for ‘goodbye mummy’ as they go off to explore. I have been very impressed with the personal attention the children receive, the way in which the staff know my children and how they have become much more confident and independent during their time at Rain Trees. Most importantly though, the twins love going to school and are really happy and engaged.

My boys love going to Rain Trees and are always excited to head off to “school” in the morning.

Rain Trees is a fabulous school providing an energetic and caring environment for all the children involved.

The teaching is of the highest standard and all children bounce into school with great enthusiasm and energy.

My daughter has been so very happy in her first proper school environment and I would highly recommend Rain Trees to any parent looking for a small educational but fun school for their children.

Rain Trees is a great school for those looking for a familiar place where the kids get treated in a very unique way, with a lot of attention and kindness. They make the whole school experience so much fun!
The school facilities are great, kids get to play a lot outdoors and develop their curiosity by many things outside the classroom, like plants, animals and playing freely.
Splash time on Fridays is a big hit, children actually look forward to those moments of amusement.
The whole team is very special!

Our son started at Rain Trees at the beginning of the year and was moving from another school, where he did not have a good experience. We were all a bit anxious to move him into a new environment, but it was the best decision we have made! The changes in his behavior were immediate and we noticed that he was very happy, relaxed and thriving. The teachers were welcoming and continue to make such a difference with their approach. Our son loves school so much now that he asks when he can go back on the weekend! Thank you for making such a difference in our son’s life and giving him a love of learning!

“Rain Trees has been the perfect first school for our daughter, the warm welcoming atmosphere and wonderful teachers have given her the most incredible start. We can’t wait to sign up our younger daughter when she turns 18 months and we’re sure she’ll be just as happy!”

I would definitely recommend you (and do) as I think you create a very nurturing environment for children to flourish.

Rain Trees is a wonderfully happy place – you only have to enter the classrooms in the morning to see that the staff genuinely care for the children and that the children genuinely want to be there!

Wonderful caring teachers, great international community, and fun, educational curriculum! Over 8 years, my 2 children have thrived under the gentle care of Ms Tina and her team. Learning is adapted to each child and ensures they can make the transition to primary school easily. Most importantly, the children learn wonderful social skills through the teachers’ gentle and consistent approach.

Family Focused

At Rain Trees we value the close involvement of parents in school life. We work hard to develop strong relationships with our families and believe communication between home and school is the key to achieving this.

Parents are welcome to gather in class before the bell rings each morning. This offers an informal opportunity to chat with teachers and get to know not only other parents, but also your child’s peers. Throughout the course of the year, usually at the end of terms one and three, we hold parent–teacher conferences for more formal updates on each child’s progress and general well-being. An extensive written report will be sent home at the end of the year.
 
There are many well-documented advantages to parents playing an active role in the educational process of their children. So, if parents are able and have the time, we strongly urge them to get involved in any way they can; reading to the children, organising a craft activity, accompany a class trip, baking for a charity cake sale, or making costumes for a play or concert. There is always plenty going on, so keep an eye on class notice boards for updates. This should be fun and beneficial not only for the pupils, but also their parents!

School Life - A typical day for our butterflies

9.00 – 9.10Arrival of ChildrenFree play at various stations e.g. sand tray, water tray, playdough table, painting, large/small scale
construction toys and imaginative play in the home/shop corner.
9.10 – 9.20Circle time, welcome children and discuss activities of the day 
9.20 – 10.20The children work in small groups at adult directed activitiesDirected activities will vary according to current Themes but will include maths,
pre-reading/writing, science, art and craft and/or cooking.
10.20 – 10.30Tidy up timeChildren are encouraged to help with the general tidying away of toys and materials.
10.30 – 10.45Toilet and Snack. Children use the toilet and wash their hands.Two children a day will take it in turns to set the tables and serve the snack which offers opportunities for language development, maths, social interaction etc. Sometimes the children will eat a snack they have prepared earlier.
10.45 – 11.15Mandarin/ Activity CirclesWhilst the children are engaging in activities our mandarin teacher will in the classroom for 30 minutes exposing the children to Mandarin “in situ” in a fun and engaging manner
11.15 – 11.30Outside PlayThe children may choose from climbing frames, sand pit, ride-on toys, balls, hoops, stilts etc.
11.30 – 11.45Library TimeChildren choose a book to take home.
11.45 – 12.00Story / DramaStory and good-bye song.