pre-primary phase
Academic Approach
At Lilyfontein, our Pre-Primary phase lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning by nurturing the whole child in a space filled with joy, imagination, and discovery. Education is play-based and purpose-driven—designed to support social, emotional, physical, creative, and spiritual development from the very start.
Through nature walks, storytelling, music, movement, and hands-on exploration, our little learners begin to understand the world and their place in it. Our caring educators create safe, stimulating environments where curiosity is encouraged and every voice is valued.
From the delights of imaginative play and adventure days to the excitement of our annual concert, children are given opportunities to express themselves, collaborate, and shine. With strong support from our parent community, we help children grow in confidence, develop empathy, and build the foundational values that will carry them through their school years and beyond.
SCHool Routine
At Lilyfontein Pre-Primary, each day begins with warm welcomes and unhurried play. Learners may arrive from 07:10, with the school day officially starting at 07:30. Mornings open with free play until 08:00—an important time for social interaction, creativity, and settling into the day. We encourage families to arrive on time so that children can ease into the morning and enjoy the full experience of our daily rhythm.
The day unfolds with a blend of engaging and nurturing activities, including morning discussions, daily news and weather chats, creative arts, gardening, outdoor exploration, guided learning, and quiet story time. Each element is thoughtfully designed to support holistic growth through routine, imagination, and movement.
The school day ends at 12:00. We ask that children not attending aftercare or participating in extra-curricular activities are collected promptly, ensuring a calm and consistent close to their day of discovery.
Communication
We use the D6 for key communication.
Aftercare
After Care is available for afternoon stay.
Co-Curricular
Our Grade R learners enjoy a vibrant weekly rhythm that includes specialist classes in music, computers, and adventure-based movement, designed to support their development in creative expression, early digital skills, and physical confidence.
Once a term, all Pre-Primary learners take part in an Adventure Day led by the Lilyfontein Adventure Team—an exciting introduction to our school’s spirit of exploration. These age-appropriate sessions foster curiosity, teamwork and resilience through playful activities like building, navigating and nature-based discovery. Each year the Adventure Department also hosts a mini-adventure race, designed to be an age-appropriate introduction to this exciting sport.
A variety of optional enrichment activities are also offered after school by trusted service providers, all held on campus for your convenience. These include Ballet/Dance, Crazy Clay, Cycle Buddies, Playball, Experibuddies, Swimming, and Culinary Kids—each offering opportunities for learners to explore new interests and build new skills in a fun, supportive setting.
Throughout the year, we celebrate special moments together—Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day Tea, Dads and Donuts, Easter Picnics and Christmas Markets, Water Fun Days, Pyjama Day, Fun Sports Days and more—creating joyful memories and strong connections between school and home.
ADVENTURE PROGRAMME
The adventure programme is designed to introduce our youngest learners to the principles of orienteering and team work, whilst also giving them the opportunity to get to know the campus beyond the Pre-Primary fence. This includes one adventure day a term and a mini Adventure Race in Term 3, hosted by the Adventure Team. We also host an annual family camp which is the perfect opportunity to introduce camping and create positive associations with sleeping over at school for our budding adventurers.
Aftercare
After Care is available for children who need to remain on the school premises during the afternoon hours. This service provides a safe and supervised environment where learners can relax, eat and play after the regular school day ends.
It is especially helpful for working parents who need additional support in the afternoons. The programme is run by caring staff who ensure that each child is well looked after and engaged in age-appropriate activities.
More information about After Care, including times, fees, and enrollment details, is available upon application.
COMMUNICATION
At Lilyfontein School, we value an open and cooperative relationship between parents and staff. It is therefore important to ensure that the school has your correct contact details.
We are an eco-friendly school and prefer to use as little paper as possible; we therefore use the D6 as a vital communication portal which must be checked regularly for any updates and important letters to parents. Alerts inform parents of more urgent information. The weekly newsletter gives parents a picture of the “whole school” activities.
Follow the steps below to install the D6 School Communicator:
Go to www.school-communicator.com/download.php