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Our Nursery
Welcome to Penshurst Nursery, where your child’s educational journey begins.
Every day is a busy day, using in the moment opportunities, which take into account each and every child’s interest and next step of learning. We create an inquisitive and fun environment by challenging the children within their play.
We provide our children with the skills to be resilient, independent and respectful individuals who have a love of learning and seek opportunities to challenge themselves in everything they do, developing social emotional and academic skills.
We want to provide children with experiences that will foster and nurture a love of learning whilst developing social emotional and academic skills. We take the time to get to know children, as individuals, ensuring that each child’s experience is tailored to their needs and fascinations and build trusting relations.
The aims of the Nursery are:
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To provide a safe and exciting environment in which children are encouraged to take risks and thrive.
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To provide an engaging environment and active learning experiences which take account of, and respond to, the children’s developmental needs and interests.
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To provide a curriculum which offers purposeful play opportunities and promotes the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
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To ensure we build children’s resilience by creating positive learning experiences of success at achievable levels for each individual child.
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To ensure children are ‘Set for Success’ in later life, understanding how to be safe, develop positive and respectful relationships and stay healthy.
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To create a partnership with parents and the local community that supports and enhances the development of children.
Our Foundation Stage 1 School Day
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
|
8:45am - 9:10am |
Welcome and adult-led activity |
|
9:10am - 10:00am |
Learning through play |
|
10:00am - 10:30am |
Snack and adult-led activity |
|
10:30am -11:45am |
Story and closing circle for full-day children |
|
11:45am |
Morning session ends, lunch begins for full-day children |
|
12:15pm |
Welcome and adult-led activity for afternoon children |
|
12:30pm - 1:45pm |
Learning through play |
|
1:45pm - 2:10pm |
Snack and adult-led activity |
|
2:10pm - 3:00pm |
Learning through play |
|
3:00pm - 3:10pm |
Story and closing circle |
|
3:10pm |
Afternoon session ends |
Free Childcare Options
The school can accommodate a maximum of 52 nursery children per session. We offer 30 hours free childcare as an extension to the universal 15 hours free childcare for families that qualify for this provision.
Nursery children are offered three hours of free childcare daily.
15 hours can be allocated as below:
- Mornings – 8:45am-11:45am every day or
- Afternoons – 12:15pm -3:15pm every day or
- Monday and Tuesday full days and Wednesday morning or
- Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday full days.
30 hours can be allocated as below:
- Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 3:15pm.
For information regarding 30 hours childcare eligibility and how to apply, please click on this link: Childcare Choices HMRC Information.
Paid for Sessions
If your child currently receives 15-hour funded childcare, you will have the option to extend their time in the nursery by purchasing extra sessions to suit your family’s needs, subject to availability.
Session Options and Pricing
- Half‑day session (3 hours AM or PM): £15.00
- Full‑day session: £30.00
All additional sessions must be booked and paid for via your Arbor account in advance. Bookings close 48 hours before the session. Arbor accounts are set up once your child has been registered. Please email the office if you are having difficulty booking sessions.
These flexible options are designed to give families greater choice while ensuring high-quality provision continues throughout each session.
When can my child start?
If a place is available, children are eligible to start the term after they turn three years old. Our main admission term is September. However, depending on availability, we have an intake in January and April.
School Uniform
Your child will need to wear the Penshurst Uniform. In Nursery and Reception we have the outside area open in all weathers. Please ensure you send your child in a weather-appropriate coat.
What will my child need to bring with them?
- A drink of water every day
- A snack (optional)
- A packed lunch if staying full days
- A small bag with a change of clothes (nappies/wipes etc if applicable).
- Waterproof coat/suit for outdoor adventures in all weather.
- Sun cream, unless prescribed, should not be brought into school.
How do I register interest?
Our next intake is for January 2027.
Click here to apply and register interest.
Also required:
The ERYC Provider Agreement Form also needs to be completed and should be returned to ppsoffice@hessleacademy.com. Please click here to complete the ERYC Provider Agreement Form. Please read the Early Years Pupil Premium information sheet in conjunction with this form.
How to complete the ERYC Provider Agreement Form
- Section 1 – Complete all details.
- Section 2 – Complete all details.
- Section 3 – Complete if you are splitting 30 hours' funding between providers.
- Section 4 – Early Years Pupil Premium check (optional).
- Section 5 – Complete name and address.
- Section 6 – Sign and date.
We will also need a copy of your child's birth certificate or passport. A photo of this can be emailed to the office email.
A paper copy of the ERYC Provider Agreement Form can be collected from the office if you are unable to complete this online.
When will I be notified if my child has a place?
Once the relevant information has been received and reviewed, we will contact you during the following months to confirm a place.