Through a combination of play, creative activity and structured sessions each child is encouraged to develop knowledge, skills and understanding in a range of areas. We aim to:

• Provide a happy, friendly and secure environment in which each child can maximise their potential.
• Develop children’s cognitive, affective, psychomotor skills which gives them confidence in their ability.
• Help children develop social and behavioural skills so that they can relate appropriately to other children and adults.

Our approach is carefully planned so that by the time the children are ready to enter primary or preparatory schools each child has experienced the seven areas of learning through the Early Years Foundation Stage, 'Every Child Matters' programme.

We work closely with parents by discussing your child’s progress with you and through a personal profile which describes their achievements. We understand that parents have different requirements for their children, and so there are no constraints on the number or range of sessions that your child attends.

Downside has excellent facilities for play and structured learning. These include a home corner, library corner, resources for language & literacy, mathematics and practical science and technology including computing, housed in two interconnecting classrooms, a Junior Room for 2-3 year olds and a Senior Room for 3+ and 4 year olds. Additionally, there is half an acre of secure grounds, well equipped with resources for children's play, learning and socialising. 

Supervisors and the staff teams in each of the classrooms work with specific groups of children and with individual children and so they get to know each child and their particular needs. Maintaining a high staff to children ratio ensures that individual attention can be given to each child.