Three Ways School Nursery and Early Years Review

Sensory discovery, songs and small steps in communication shape early learning at Three Ways. This is specialist provision within a special school in Bath, with an Early Years Department for children aged 4 to 5. Its three classes are Flamingos, Penguins and Puffins. The emphasis is on each child's development, rather than a single pace for the group.

In May 2026, Ofsted judged early years to be Strong standard, recognising skilled teaching and support adapted to children's needs. That judgement applies to early years within the school. For families, the defining feature is the combination of education and therapy: discovery time includes sensory experiences linked to individual therapeutic goals.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings communication, relationships and physical development together with early literacy, maths, creative expression and exploration of the world. Teaching alternates with carefully planned play. Birth to Five Matters helps guide provision, while learning goals are divided into manageable steps with repeated practice. Activities draw on children's interests, giving them a reason to engage.

Communication has several routes. Makaton, photographs, reference objects and symbols accompany speech, with support from the onsite Speech and Language Team. Stories involve instruments and real objects; children experiment with marks in sand, cornflour or shaving foam. Maths enters familiar routines too, through counting children at hello time and comparing quantities during snacks. These are practical ways to connect learning with everyday experience.

Movement and sensory regulation are built into the day. Classroom play, dance and PE develop physical skills, with hydrotherapy for some children. Weekly Forest School takes learning outside; early years activities use the sensory garden or community locations. Previous visits have included Bath City Farm and Rainbow Woods. Outdoor play continues throughout the year for the majority of children, with school waterproofs supporting participation.

In May 2026, children who began with limited speech were developing short phrases through shared stories. Reading instruction was matched to readiness: the very few children starting school who were ready to learn to read received appropriate phonics teaching from fully trained staff. Progress here can begin with communication itself.

Settling starts before the first school day. During the summer term, families have a home visit or an informal conversation with the class teacher. Where possible, staff also meet children in their existing setting, and professionals join individual transition discussions. The first few weeks involve part-time attendance in smaller groups, allowing children to learn routines while adults get to know them.

Class Dojo carries photographs and learning updates several times each week, alongside private messages between teachers and parents. Learning Diaries go home on Fridays with observations and pictures, and families can contribute news from home. Health or wellbeing concerns prompt a telephone call. This gives parents several ways to understand a day their child may find difficult to describe.

Independence includes practising dressing, eating and toileting. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy contribute to individual programmes, while medication needs are discussed during transition or when they arise. Trained team members administer medicines with support from the Multi-Agency liaison team. Across the school site, two lifts and a pool accessible by hoist provide concrete support for physical access.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. At Three Ways, placement referrals come through the Bath and North East Somerset Local Authority Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Team, with EHCP requirements considered during admission. Families should confirm their child's next placement with the local authority SEND team.

Transition support is a separate matter. Information about children is shared with their next teachers when they change year groups, helping staff carry forward an understanding of individual needs.

School visits can be booked by contacting enquiries@threeways.co.uk or calling 01225 838070. Termly visit dates give families an opportunity to explore the provision.

Uniform is encouraged, with flexibility where clothing creates difficulties. In early years, grey or black leggings and joggers can make changing and toileting easier. Children should have labelled spare clothes and named wellies. Transport, where needed, is organised by the local authority; families must notify School Transport of changes.