Peareswood Primary School Nursery Review

Play, daily opportunities to learn outdoors and a Nature School beside the playing field give Peareswood’s nursery its character. Children choose resources for themselves, while adults join their play to extend ideas and conversation. Independence has a practical place in the day.

This is Peareswood Primary School’s own nursery, on Peareswood Road, DA8 3PR. It forms part of the school’s early years provision, with a Nursery Lead and nursery teaching assistants.

Child-led exploration sits alongside activities guided by adults and brief group sessions on the carpet. The balance remains centred on play in nursery. During free-flow periods, staff follow children’s interests and offer practical experiences; materials can be used in different ways, giving children room to develop their own ideas rather than complete one fixed task.

The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, brings together learning and personal development. Language, movement and relationships sit alongside early reading and writing, maths, creative expression and discovering how the world works. Adults watch children playing, then participate to develop their vocabulary, thinking and skills. The approach also encourages persistence when something becomes difficult.

Themes start close to children’s own lives. All About Me and My Family, My Traditions make personal experience a starting point; spring brings My Garden topics covering plant growth and minibeasts. These give families concrete subjects to talk about together.

Children have the opportunity to learn outdoors daily. Both classroom and outdoor resources are arranged so children can reach most of them independently, allowing them to make choices about their play. Nature School occupies the edges and rear of the large playing field. Nursery children may take part in sessions during the academic year, with activities adapted to their age and the season. Qualified Nature School adults run these sessions, which begin with learning the outdoor rules and safety routines.

A Nursery Lead and teaching assistants provide the nursery’s staffing structure. For additional needs, the wider school has a SENDCo, wellbeing coaches and a Community Liaison Officer. Families can arrange a meeting with the inclusion deputy headteacher or SENDCo through the office, providing a direct route for discussing support.

The school’s SEND process combines assessment, planning with parents, putting support into practice and reviewing its effect. Adaptations can include visual timetables, extra time to process information and vocabulary introduced ahead of an activity. Support is planned around the child’s needs rather than assumed to take one form.

Medical arrangements involve families too. First-aid-trained staff are available during the school day, and parents provide daytime and alternative emergency contacts. Any medicine that needs administering must be discussed with the office and handled under the school’s medical arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Bexley Council’s coordinated admissions process, meeting the deadline for their child’s entry year. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

For nursery enquiries, telephone the School Office Team on 01322 332379. An online contact form also accepts enquiries. School visits can be arranged by calling the office for an appointment, with timing agreed with the family.

Children taking part in Nature School need footwear and clothing suited to the season. That makes dressing for outdoor activity a practical part of preparing for those sessions.