The key to successful learning in the Early Years is to teach children without them realising they are being taught.

Bassett House School first opened its doors in 1947 offering a holistic and child centred Montessori approach, which still continues today. The Montessori method of education develops children’s natural interests and allows them to make choices in their learning. It also helps to build leadership, coordination and concentration skills. 

At Bassett House, learning is seamlessly interwoven into the fabric of our pupils’ exciting day-to-day experiences. We want all children to develop a love for learning and to have fun and enjoy success in all aspects of their education.

Our recently refurbished Early Years building called Bassett Bear House is located at 73 St Helen’s Gardens, close to our main school site. Located across four floors, it comprises three bright and airy classrooms, a versatile interactive learning zone and an all-purpose performance studio. 

Children enjoy a wide variety of stimulating resources, which are mostly physical or visually engaging at this stage in their development. Our skilled Early Years staff provide children with appropriate and exciting play and learning experiences to play to their strengths and support them to develop new skills. 

Pupils are nurtured and encouraged, gaining independence and confidence during their time at Bassett Bear House. Individual care is given to all children and each child is encouraged to reach developmental goals at a pace that is right for them. It is important to remember that every child learns in a unique way and, therefore, we plan carefully to cater for all types of learners to stimulate their senses and support and optimise their learning styles.

Teaching takes place with individual children, in small focus groups, and as a whole class.

Children are given opportunities for indoor and outdoor activities every day and through play and structured learning, pupils develop a variety of skills and interests. Learning is seamlessly interwoven into the fabric of our pupils’ exciting day-to-day experiences. We want all children to develop a love for learning and to have fun and enjoy achievement and success in all aspects of their education. We strive to ensure that children feel happy in their environment and immediately feel part of our school community. 

We incorporate all seven areas of learning in the Department for Education’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and endeavour to allow our pupils to go beyond and reach their full potential.