Headteacher’s Welcome

Hello and welcome to the website for Peartree Way Nursery School.

**Our website is currently being updated so please bear with us while this is happening. If you need further information, please contact Emma Lacey in our school office.**

Peartree Way is the only maintained nursery school in Stevenage and is an integral part of the community in Shephall. As Headteacher, I feel lucky to work within a friendly and nurturing environment and be part of an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team where we support all our children to grow and develop into independent learners, ready to take their next step in their educational career. The children are at the heart of everything we do and positive well-being for all is vital to make strong progress.

Our vision of ‘Friendship, fun and learning for life’ is reflected in our excellent provision and staff strive to respond to children’s interests and needs to make the most of every learning opportunity. When Ofsted last visited in 2018, our report stated that ‘The school provides a happy and vibrant learning environment where children are well cared for and are encouraged to do their very best. Children behave extremely well. They are respectful, courteous and supportive of the learning of others.’

The first five years of a child’s life are the vital foundations from which all future progress is built on and the dedication of the staff and you as parents are fundamental. Children learn best when they are healthy, happy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are met and when they have positive relationships with the adults who care for them.

Parents express positive views about our school and one parent has written: ‘Peartree Way is a lovely setting, welcoming to both children and their families. I have felt completely reassured by the level of attention both my children have received. The staff have an amazing warmth, which has enabled the whole experience to be so magical.’

We want every parent to know that their child is important to us here at Peartree Way, and that no concern is too small. Please come in and talk to us about any aspect of your child’s welfare, wellbeing or development; by working together the results will have a positive impact on your child’s development and learning.

We offer Pre-School, 15 hour, 30 and 35 hour places at Peartree Way (please see information about each area below).

Visits to Peartree Way for prospective families are welcome, to give you the opportunity to experience the magic of Pre-School and Nursery. Please telephone to make an appointment.

Deborah Willcox

Headteacher

Pre-School Explorers

Children can join us as a Pre-School Explorer from the age of 2 years where places are offered to those in receipt of two year old funded or family paid for sessions. Our pre-school is a place to learn through play in the safety of a well-planned, nurturing and awe-inspiring environment with caring, supportive adults where opportunity to explore natural curiosity and develop own interest is embraced. With a focus on well-being and Personal, Social and Emotional Development, we will support your children in the development of foundational skills such as communication and language, core muscle development and motor skills, early maths and literacy. This includes developing a love of books and mark making opportunities and lots of time to explore and understand the world in our safe but challenging outdoor space.

Pre-School Voyagers

From the term after their 3^rd birthday, children become Pre-School Voyagers and we are able to offer 15 hours per week FREE early learning and some families may be able to access 30 hours FREE early learning, subject to eligibility. A chance to secure foundational skills in the wider environment that is Peartree Way Nursery before your child reaches nursery age. As your child grows and learns we will explore and provide challenge to their learning based on their individual development and interests. The Nursery environment is much bigger therefore offers more opportunity through discovery to develop skills in all areas, opening up many more experiences such as the expansive outdoor play and learning area. Being part of the larger group of children enables the development of a greater circle of friendship groups and opportunity to learn with, and from older children.

Nursery School

Nursery Schools offer the opportunity for children to spend a year developing their independence, social skills and enthusiasm for learning in a nurturing environment prior to starting in Reception. Many of our children transition from our on-site Pre-School to Nursery giving them the opportunity to continue with our ethos of learning through play, curiosity and exploration.

We offer two part time 15 hour per week sessions – a morning session from 08:30 to 11:30 and an afternoon session from 12:30 to 15:30, five days a week, subject to availability. In addition, we offer 30 or 35 hour sessions to support working parents and carers.

Inclusion (SEND)

We welcome any child with a Special Educational Need or Disability and parents will be involved in the development of an individual programme to ensure educational and social interaction. For further information, please see our Inclusion (SEND) page.