Polam School

45 Lansdowne Road, Bedford, MK40 2BU, Bedfordshire

01234 261864

www.polamschool.co.uk


School type	Co-educational Day Pre-Preparatory & Nursery
Founded	1923
Head	Darren O'Neil
Date Appointed	September 2020
Co-ed Age Range	1-7 years
Number of pupils	95
Nursery & Preschool	£2,467 - £4,137 per term (15 hours of gov funding for working families accepted)
Prep School	£4,055 per term
Average Class Size	12-22 (av. 17)
Teacher/Pupil ratio	1:11
Associations	Cognita, ISC

Polam School & Nursery in Bedford has been providing over a century of excellence as an award-winning, independent nursery and pre-preparatory school for children aged 1 to 7. Renowned for its "home from home" atmosphere, Polam offers a nurturing environment where young minds grow and develop a lifelong love of learning. Set in two spacious and beautifully maintained Victorian houses, Polam provides a welcoming, family-oriented setting, making it an ideal place for early education.

At Polam, every child is treated as an individual, with their unique needs and abilities carefully supported. The school's small class sizes allow for personalised attention and tailored learning experiences, ensuring that each child feels confident and valued. This individualised approach helps children to build self-esteem, while promoting a sense of community and belonging.

Polam's immersive learning spaces are designed to spark creativity and curiosity and children are constantly encouraged to ask questions, collaborate with their peers, and think critically. The school's hands-on learning approach makes education exciting and accessible for all ages.

The curriculum at Polam surpasses national standards, offering children a comprehensive education that includes phonics, mathematics, science, swimming, art, and IT from an early age. By introducing core academic subjects early on, Polam ensures that children are well-prepared for their future schooling. But the curriculum doesn't stop at academics - creativity, problem-solving, and independent thinking are all key components, helping children grow into well-rounded individuals.

Beyond its academic excellence, Polam is dedicated to supporting the physical and emotional wellbeing of its students. The school understands the importance of mental health from an early age and integrates mindfulness practices, yoga, and other wellbeing programs to help children develop emotional resilience. Polam believes that a healthy mind is just as important as academic achievement.

A beloved member of the Polam team is Ruby, the school's therapy dog. Ruby plays a special role in the wellbeing of the children, providing companionship and emotional support, her presence helps create a calm and reassuring atmosphere.

Polam's outstanding standards are recognised by its prestigious accreditations. The school holds the "Double Excellent" rating from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), reflecting its achievements in both academic and pastoral care. Furthermore, Polam's Nursery and early years provision have received an "Outstanding" rating from Ofsted, affirming the quality of care and education provided to the youngest learners.

Polam prides itself on its close-knit community, where strong relationships between staff, parents, and children are key. The school's open-door policy encourages parents to be actively involved in their child's learning journey. Polam values these partnerships, understanding that close collaboration between home and school is essential to a child's success.

Families interested in discovering more about Polam are warmly invited to the Autumn Open Day on 16th October. This event offers a great opportunity to tour the school, meet the staff, and learn more about the unique educational approach that sets Polam apart. For those unable to attend, Polam also offers personal tours throughout the year, allowing prospective parents to explore the school at their convenience.

For more information or to book a tour, please contact admissions@polamschool.co.uk or call 01234 261864. Visit www.polamschool.co.uk to learn more about what makes Polam the perfect start for your child's educational journey.