Peter Pan Nursery School: learning through stories and discovery

A bear hunt in the nursery garden gives Peter Pan’s character a concrete shape: stories become activities, and children take their learning outside. Based on Edward Road in Bedford, this maintained nursery school belongs to Bedford Nursery Schools Federation alongside Cherry Trees Nursery School. Qualified teachers work with qualified Early Years Educators.

The school describes provision for ages two to five. An approved proposal would lower the starting age to nine months, with September 2026 identified as the earliest opening point for that change. Approval should not be treated as confirmation that the younger provision has opened.

Stories, conversation and practical discovery give the day its direction. The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, covers children’s development and learning alongside their health and safety. Here, the curriculum follows seasonal changes and cultural celebrations. Its approach to learning emphasises exploration, persistence and children developing ideas of their own, rather than simply completing an activity.

The nursery garden is part of that learning. Children have searched it for signs of spring and used it for activities linked to We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Examples include making lanterns and fans to decorate a Chinese restaurant play setting. These give children reasons to talk, make things and connect stories with their own experiences.

Ofsted’s inspection on 19 April 2023 found that learning was carefully sequenced and adapted as staff assessed children’s development. Language received sustained attention: puppets and books in two languages supported storytelling, while older children began using phonics for simple reading and writing. Making play dough from a recipe brought mathematical ideas into a practical task. Learning had a purpose children could grasp.

Visitors included local farmers, theatre groups and the fire service. Watching caterpillars become butterflies introduced change in the natural world, while outings incorporated road and water safety. These experiences extended learning beyond the immediate play activity.

Settling starts with contact before the first session. Families are offered a nursery visit, a visit at home and a short parent meeting. A parent stays for at least the first session and continues for as long as their child needs to settle. That makes separation a process shaped around the child.

At the April 2023 inspection, parents received developmental updates that helped them support learning at home. Suggested home activities include recipes, songs and books used in nursery. Food also appears in learning: children have prepared stir fry and made and eaten pancakes as part of cultural and seasonal activities.

SEND support has a defined team structure, with a federation SENDCO working alongside support staff and parents. Regular parent meetings give families a role in decisions. Intensive Interaction supports early communication, including shared attention, facial expression and taking turns in an exchange; adults follow the child’s interests as the interaction develops.

In April 2023, children with SEND made exceptional progress with tailored support, including sensitive help for children who did not speak. Safeguarding was effective at that inspection: staff escalated concerns promptly, and leaders worked with health visitors and social services. Children also received help to connect feelings with behaviour and make choices safely.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application for primary school through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. The nursery’s admission procedure places responsibility for registering for statutory education with parents; the local authority notifies families when applications are due. Treat choosing nursery and securing the next school place as separate decisions.

Peter Pan operates during term time, with opening hours of 8am to 5pm. Booking options include a morning from 9am to noon, an afternoon from 12.30pm to 3.30pm and a longer session from 9am to 3.30pm. Additional care slots run from 8am to 9am, and from 3.30pm until either 4.30pm or 5pm, subject to availability.

Funded provision includes 15 hours from the term following a child’s third birthday, and 15 hours for eligible two-year-olds from the term after their second birthday. Eligible working parents can access up to 30 hours, with application deadlines applying. Extra paid hours are subject to availability; refer to the school for current charges.

Applications identify the nursery and requested sessions and can be emailed to admissions@bedfordnurseryschools.com. Tours are arranged by appointment through the office on 01234 350864.