David Rutley MP visited Puss Bank School to open its new Nursery extension this week. Puss Bank Nursery has extended its facilities to welcome two year old children for the first time. David toured the nursery facilities with Nursery Manager Lucy Bradley, Headteacher Kathy Nichol, parents and school governors. He also helped the children make a banner to decorate the new area.
In December, the school carried out building work on the Nursery building to extend it and ensure it has the necessary space and facilities for younger children. In February, OFSTED made their registration visit to enable the nursery to open to two year olds. The Nursery is an integral part of Puss Bank School, which was rated Good by OFSTED last year.
"In the Early Years Foundation Stage children enjoy a wide range of stimulating activities both indoors and outdoors that are matched closely to their individual needs. As a result children make good progress in all areas of their development including in basic number, writing and reading skills."
Puss Bank School OFSTED Report June 2014
The Nursery offers age appropriate care for the new children; ensuring that the facilities, play equipment and activities are appropriate to two year olds. There is a dedicated member of staff to look after the youngest children in Nursery, who are invited to either morning or afternoon sessions. The two year old provision is on a fee-paying basis, unless parents qualify for the fifteen hours funded entitlement for two years olds. All three and four year olds are entitled to fifteen hours a week of Nursery provision, and top up sessions are also available on a fee paying basis. As an integral part of the school, the Nursery prepares children for entering Reception and enables a smooth transition to full-time school.
The decision to open the Nursery to younger children was made in response to OFSTED’s 2014 report on EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) which recommended that schools should open to two year olds, in order to narrow the gap between disadvantaged children and their peers. Evidence shows that starting high quality teacher led care earlier can have a lasting positive impact on children’s development.
Speaking after the opening, David said, “The opening of the new extension for two year olds is an exciting and positive step for early years learning at Puss Bank School. I would like to congratulate all those at the school for their hard work, which has made all this possible. It was great to see how engaged the children at the nursery were, and I look forward to following the progress made by the school going forward.”