Our School motto ‘Perstare et Praestare – ‘Persevere and excel’, describes the attitude we foster.
The Daiglen School is a small, friendly preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3 to 11 years. The school is rich in history and tradition and our community is based on clear moral values of courtesy, respect, endeavour, industry and integrity. The school is built around an elegant Victorian house with much of its stained glass and cornices intact. Modern features include a new gymnasium and art room, a fully equipped ICT suite and a purpose built science laboratory. It is pleasantly situated on the borders of Epping Forest and is well served by public transport. At the Daiglen School, we believe that it is in the child’s best interests for education to be a close partnership between home and school. If, having visited this website, you feel that our school would suit your child, or if you would like to know more about us, please make arrangements to visit us. Prospective parents are always welcome.
Mary Bradfield
“Daiglen is a truly unique school where the core values of academic excellence and good behaviour are still important. This winning combination takes place in an intimate and nurturing environment where each child matters. Daiglen has succeeded in surpassing my expectations in these early vital years of my children’s education. I am consistently impressed by the quality of teaching my children receive at Daiglen. They are both challenged and encouraged. The staff are dedicated and at all times professional. It appears to be a place where every child can reach their full potential. Daiglen pupils are a credit to their school. The school should be proud of its culture, which encourages such high standards of behaviour seen in so few schools today”
Andrea Dowling, Parent

“The curriculum is well-balanced and ensures that all pupils have access to a broad range of subjects and activities. They greatly benefit from working in small groups, as core subjects are taught according to pupils’ ability.” ISI Inspection October 2006 Our syllabus is arranged to meet the requirements of Public School Entrance Examinations for 11 year olds and 11 Examinations for Grammar Schools plus Key Stage 2 National Tests. Therefore the curriculum is broadly in the line with The National Curriculum but is enhanced and extended by subject specialist teachers. The school offers you a teacher-pupil ratio of one to ten. French and Spanish are taught by native speakers and Y6 are introduced to Latin. Most of our pupils go on to local selective secondary schools, either in the Independent or Maintained sector. The school is divided into 8-year groups, including the Nursery. (to find out more about the Nursery click here)

Infants “The quality of teaching in the Foundation Stage is outstanding and excellent teaching was observed across the school.” ISI Inspection October 2006 The infant school consists of Reception, year 1 and Year 2 class. Each class has a Form Teacher and a dedicated teaching assistant. Your child’s form teacher is responsible for his or her academic development and pastoral welfare and teaches the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, and PSHCE. The enhanced Curriculum, offers a wide range of educational experiences with specialist teachers who work with the Infant children in French, Spanish, PE, Games, Dance, Music and Drama. Each class has designated lessons in the ICT suite where they are taught in small groups. These skills are further developed within the classroom where children have access to computers and interactive whiteboards and can use their ICT skills to enhance their learning in other areas of the curriculum Our school site is small and secure, we invest in people and are exceptionally well staffed. Children are given a healthy mid-morning snack and drink and are encouraged to drink water throughout the day. At playtime and lunchtime, they are supervised by their own teachers. This continuity of care not only promotes good table manners and healthy eating habits, but ensures that children are cared for and encouraged to learn by the same people whether in the classroom, the playground, the dining hall and even in before and after school clubs. The atmosphere within the school is happy and harmonious. Y6 pupils are designated as monitors for the Infants, fostering very positive and caring relationships between them. We hope your child will flourish during his or her time with us. School starts at 8.40 and finishes at 3.30.

Juniors The four junior classes have Form Teachers who are responsible for their general academic progress and pastoral care. However, for much of the day these classes are divided into ability groups and taught by subject specialist teachers. Ability grouping ensures that all pupils are challenged and supported according to their individual needs and talents. This enables us to achieve first class academic results whilst catering for all abilities. In Year 5 and 6, the Maths and English specialist teachers prepare pupils for entrance examinations and the Key Stage 2 National tests. “The school’s aims are well supported by the good quality of the teaching which enables pupils of all abilities, including those needing additional support, to acquire knowledge and new skills, and to make efficient progress. Excellent teaching was observed across the school.” ISI Inspection October 2006

We aim to provide your child with a secure framework in which they can grow and thrive. Our stimulating environment encourages children to become confident and articulate learners. Being forward thinking in our attitude ensures that we blend modern teaching techniques with traditional ethical values. A well-disciplined environment promotes self-esteem and respect for others. Politeness and good manners are expected and consideration for others is strongly stressed. Although a Christian school, we welcome all faiths. Our children are taught to be tolerant and to respect the beliefs and practice of others.

You can also take advantage of our Early Risers from 8.00am and After School Club until 6.00 pm if you require this facility. In After School Club your child will take part in a variety of activities and a snack and drink are served during the session. Please contact the school office for further details.

The Daiglen School offers a choice of activities both at lunchtime and in after school clubs. These include: Drama Classes, Piano Lessons, Computer Club, Tennis, Outdoor Games Club and Recorders for Infant classes. Prep Club, Cross Country, Football and Cricket Training, Athletics, Table Tennis, Chess, Drama, Choir, Keyboard/Piano Skills, Art Club and Computer Club for the Juniors.

The clubs will vary from term to term. Please contact the school secretary for the latest update.

Educational visits take place each term and additionally Year 6 take part in an activity week at a Kingswood Learning and Leisure Centre. An annual ski-trip is organised for Years 5 and 6.

Starting Nursery
In the Nursery, children develop their personal, emotional and social skills as well as early learning skills in literacy, numeracy, knowledge and understanding of the world and creative and physical development. Planning, assessment and recording is based on these six areas of learning and you will receive termly verbal and written reports on your child’s progress.

The knowledge and experience gained in the Nursery establish an excellent foundation for entry into the Reception Class. We provide a smooth transition into the Infant School and the Reception Teacher will receive full records of every child’s achievements, aptitudes, likes and dislikes.

A range of stimulating and enjoyable activities are offered every day and the weekly plans are clearly displayed for you to see. These activities are carefully chosen to match the specific needs of individual children in order to ensure their optimum development and achievement.

Classes are small, with a high ratio of professional carers to pupils. The setting is large and inviting, and the children have access to safe and secure indoor and outdoor play areas. Children will normally proceed directly into the Reception Class in the September after their fourth birthday. This classroom adjoins the Nursery setting, so that children will already be familiar with the staff and the environment. The friends they make at Nursery will stay with them throughout their time at Daiglen.

The Daiglen School recognises the importance of parental contribution to children’s education and we always aim to work in partnership with you for the benefit of our pupils. You will find the Nursery staff, Mrs Davis and Mrs Doree to be very friendly and approachable. They are always happy to talk to you about your child and to discuss any concerns, no matter how minor.

Eating at Nursery
We have our own kitchen where professional caterers prepare healthy snacks and fresh, balanced meals. The children have their lunch in the dining hall with the Nursery staff where they are taught hygiene and table manners.

We encourage the children to drink water at any time. Healthy snacks with juice and milk are provided at snack times. We have a no nut policy at Daiglen and can cater for specific dietary requirements. Any other dietary matters may be discussed with our cook, Mrs Jolley. She can be contacted during the school day, via the school office.

In order to ensure continuity of provision, our own staff provide before and after school care in an ‘early risers’ club and after-school club and Nursery staff supervise the children during the lunch and break time. Children are therefore being cared for and being encouraged to learn by the same people, whether in the classroom, the playground, the dining hall or in pre and post school clubs.

For admission to the nursery please see Enrolment and Admissions Procedure.