Our Nursery

The Piper’s Vale Primary Academy Nursery is a safe, fun place run by experienced and caring staff that’s perfect for your child’s first steps on the school journey. 

We are open every weekday during term time from 8.30-11.30 and we have up to 26 places for three-year-olds at any one time.

Our nursery classroom has been purposely designed for three-year-olds – everything is the right size for them, from the tables and chairs to the toilets and sinks. It’s set up into learning areas so children are able to learn through play, and they are also able to use the school music room, hall and other facilities. There is free-flow access to a large, covered external space which has been recently refurbished, allowing the children to enjoy outdoor activities all year round.

This area is shared with the Reception children which encourages them to interact with each other. It also helps when it comes to the time when they transition from Nursery.

Learning

Over the course of the year our curriculum covers several topics, including ‘Ourselves’, ‘Journeys and Holidays’ and ‘Dinosaurs’. We make learning as interactive as possible, through a mix of adult-led and independent activities, and we offer music and PE lessons with specialist teachers once a week. We set up relevant school visits from local community members such as a dental health care team, and we also arrange trips so the children can explore the world around us, taking them on visits to places like the local library and Jimmy’s Farm.

We work in partnership with you to help the children reach their potential and while they are with us we will track their learning journey through a piece of specialist software called Tapestry. This allows us to record your child’s experiences and development and share it with you securely. In turn you can also make comments, and share with us what they have been doing at home. By the end of the year you will have a comprehensive record of everything they’ve achieved during their time in Nursery.

Applying 

You can put your child’s name down for a place at our Nursery in the term they turn two and a half, simply come into school and speak to our front office team. Once a place opens up we will contact you.

Our guide to preparing your child for nursery:

Toilet training

Ideally children will know how to wipe themselves properly and pull up their underwear, as well as flush the toilet and wash their hands afterwards, but obviously we always allow for (and expect) accidents. If your child does occasionally have mishaps then it’s a good idea to let their teacher know and pack spare underwear in their school bag.

Getting dressed

If your child can fasten and unfasted buttons, zips and Velcro, they’ll be able to go to the toilet without help and change for PE lessons.

Get into a routine

Help your child get into the habit of getting their uniform and school bag ready every evening. It’ll help the mornings feel less rushed.

Dry run

Before their first day at school, have a practice run of getting ready. It’ll prepare you both for the big day and might even generate some excitement.

Asking for what they need

It’s important your child has the confidence to communicate their needs, such as requesting to go to the toilet or asking another child if they can borrow something.

Sitting still

Children have to sit still and listen at school, and they’re far more likely to manage this if they’ve got used to doing it at home first. Getting them to do it as you read them a story is a fun way to practice.

Taking turns and sharing

Being able to take turns and share is essential. Help your child develop these skills by playing games with them that involve taking turns and encouraging your child to share their toys when they have play dates.

Dealing with losing

Some children find it hard to lose (as do some adults!) so it’s helpful if they’ve had this experience before starting school. Help them by playing games where they’re not always the winner, and encourage your child to congratulate others.

Please and thank you

Remind your child to use good manners with their teachers, friends and when they’re at home.