Welcome to Early Years at St Columba’s School

Start your child’s journey to becoming a Columban, be an integral part of our school community and discover a world of boundless opportunities at St Columba’s School Early Years.

We take immense pride in offering exceptional Early Years facilities for children from the age of three, which is designed to nurture and inspire young minds. Nestled in the picturesque countryside, the village of Kilmacolm offers a tranquil and safe surrounding, providing a serene backdrop for children’s growth and exploration. Our learning spaces are thoughtfully created to provide a safe, stimulating, and engaging environment for children to embark on their journey. Bright, spacious play areas filled with age-appropriate resources, encourage curiosity and creativity, physical development and social interaction.  

Click here to arrange a visit.

Life in Early Years

Life at Early Years is a captivating journey filled with wonder, growth and curiosity. Imaginations flourish with hands on and engaging activities. Outdoor adventures are a daily delight as our expansive play areas become spaces for exploration and creativity. Each child’s unique potential is nurtured, laying a strong foundation for a lifelong passion for learning.

7.30am Early Bird Breakfast Club begins (includes breakfast)
9.00am Morning Session
12.00pm Lunch
12.45pm Afternoon Session
3.00pm End of the day (School Day Wraparound Care commences)
3.00pm – 6.00pm Night Owl Club (includes dinner)

The core hours at Early Years are 8.30am – 3.00pm (1140 hours per annum). At St Columba’s School, we believe in enabling families to strike the perfect balance between early education and life’s demands.  We recognise that not all families require the full duration, and our adaptable approach allows you to tailor your child’s schedule to your needs. It is our preference for children to attend every morning. 


Fully Funded Places

St Columba’s Early Years Department is delighted to have joined the West Partnership in becoming an Early Learning and Childcare provider. As part of this partnership, St Columba’s is pleased to offer 1140 hours of free childcare during term time (9.00am - 3.30pm).  Funding is available from the month following your child's third birthday. 

This is available to residents in participating council areas (including Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire)
When an offer pack is sent to successful families, the funding documentation will be included. The deadline for funding applications is the final day in February. There may be a delay if applications are submitted after this date.


Learning at Early Years

Early Years children are supported through an active and rich curriculum which follows a child-centered approach, enabling each child to learn and grow in a style that is suited to them. Crucially, learning through play underpins the Early Years’ experience. This approach provides a safe and nurturing space in which your child can thrive, by ensuring our youngest Columbans develop new skills, make discoveries, and grow in confidence.

Early Years children benefit from a through-school approach, with PE, French, Music and Drama taught by specialists, building relationships that will last their entire Columban journey. A broad and balanced range of fun and experiential activities lays the foundations of sound literacy and numeracy skills, as well as encouraging concentration, creative minds, and the ability to communicate well.

We have recently introduced woodwork to the learning skills for Early Years children. Working with this wonderful natural resource, the children learn STEM principles and other techniques which will benefit them further up the school.  The children test their strength, learn how to use implements safely and will develop their problem solving, coordination and teamworking skills.

In order to encourage a stronger connection between parents/guardians and their child’s daily educational experiences, our Early Years Practitioners will post photos and videos of your child showcasing activities, projects and progress throughout their day. This platform will not only allow parents and guardians to witness their child’s growth first-hand but also enables a deeper engagement into their day-to-day learning and provides a window into your child’s world. 


Intergenerational Programme

St Columba’s School is very much part of the local community, helping to bring people closer together, helping one another and taking advantage of the wonderful learning opportunities on our doorstep.

Our Early Years department takes pride in enriching intergenerational work and enjoy a close relationship with the residents of Campbell Snowden House, a residential care home located in nearby Quarriers Village. 

By connecting the youngest members of our community with seniors, we create a unique and heartwarming environment and bonds are formed that transcend age barriers. This interaction not only promotes empathy, respect and a broader perspective in our young learners but also brings joy and a sense of purpose to our senior participants.

In early 2023, we were thrilled to learn that our Early Years team, as a direct result of all the work undertaken with the partnership with Campbell Snowden House, received Highly Commended in the Building on Wider Knowledge category at the Generations Working Together Excellence Awards.


Dedicated Early Years Practitioners

Head of Early and Infant Years, Mrs Corbett, together with Mrs Aitken, Assistant Early Years Manager, lead a team of dedicated and experienced Early Years Practitioners who excel in creating a friendly, warm, and dynamic environment for our Early Years children. Together, they create a welcoming home from home, where you and your child will feel safe, supported, and encouraged. 

They employ innovative teaching methods that cater to individual needs, ensuring every child receives the attention and guidance required to flourish. They lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, instilling confidence, independence and a strong sense of community from the very beginning.

Our aim is to inspire our children to explore the world around them, to navigate new experiences and build confidence. It is vital that our children embrace these skills to prepare them for a successful Columban experience and beyond.


Preparation for Junior 1

Preparing for Junior 1 within our Early Years facilities is a nurturing process that sets the foundation for a seamless transition to the next stage of your child’s education. Our dedicated Practitioners recognise the unique needs of each child and tailors the preparation journey accordingly. Our focus is not only on academic readiness but also emotional resilience and a sense of belonging allowing each child to thrive as they advance in their educational adventure.


Early Years Application Process

Step 1 
Visit our website and social media channels and learn more about St Columba’s, our ethos and our values.

Step 2
Our Admissions Registrar would be delighted to organise a personal tour for you and your family. Your visit will include a tour of Early Years and Junior School and a meeting with the Depute Rector of Junior School. You can also visit us during one of our Open Events.

Step 3
Applications are now open for the next academic session and early applications are encouraged. Please find our application form here.

Step 4
Your child will be invited to attend an observed play session with our Early Years children and Practitioners. These are usually held in January.

Step 5
Offer packs will be posted early February. Responses will be required by the end of February including the application for funding to Inverclyde Council. 

Step 6
You and your child are now part of the St Columba’s community and induction information will be sent in preparation for your child joining Early Years.