Our Nursery
The Piper’s Vale Primary Academy Nursery is a safe, exciting 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 brand new 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 a lady who teaches the children about hedgehogs. 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.
Joining
We appreciate starting Nursery is often a worrying time for children (and parents/carers!) so we do our very best to make this time as easy as possible for everyone. Due to Covid restrictions the Nursery teacher isn’t able to carry out home visits at the moment, but we will make sure you receive a ‘Welcome to Nursery booklet which details everything that you need to know. We will also organise transition visits for your child, inviting them to come into school for short periods of time so they can get used to their new surroundings.
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.
Visiting
You can arrange a visit to our nursery by clicking and completing this form: Visit our Nursery.
Funding
All children are entitled to 15 hours per week of free early years education for 38 weeks each year.
FAQs
What age do children begin at Piper’s Vale Nursery?
Children are able to join us on the term after their third birthday.
What are your opening times?
8.30am – 11.30am.
How many sessions are on offer?
We have five mornings per week.
What food/drink is provided?
We offer all children a healthy morning snack of fruit or veg and milk. There is no charge for this.
Is there a uniform?
Yes, children in our Nursery wear the Piper’s Vale uniform, this helps them feel part of the rest of the school. All our uniforms are sold by PMG Schoolwear on Westgate Street in Ipswich. However, we have some jumpers available at school, please contact the office for details.
My child has a special need, what support will you provide for them?
Piper’s Vale is an inclusive school, which means that we feel that every child should be able to participate in every aspect of school life with a sense of belonging and a sense of being valued. Our support is tailored to each child’s individual needs so before your child begins at Piper’s Vale Nursery we will discuss their particular requirements with you and create a plan for them.