Ashfield Park Nursery children are looking forward to the Summer Term. They particularly enjoy their “Out and About” sessions exploring their immediate environment and extensive school grounds.

Ashfield Park Nursery currently caters for children from three years- old until they start their Reception Year. It is an integral part of the school and provides a stimulating, multi-sensory environment. It is led by Mrs Cathy Symonds, an experienced Early Years teacher, who initially trained as a Speech and Language Therapist. She is supported by a team of Early Years Practitioners, including Ruth Tedstone, a qualified and highly experienced Nursery Nurse with an Early Years Degree.

The children explore a variety of adult and child initiated activities in the Nursery. These include story telling activities, “Squiggle as you Wiggle” (a music and dance session to develop gross and fine motor skills) and “Out and About” exploring sessions. These are particularly useful to find out first-hand about the natural environment.

The environment consists of a large playroom with cloakroom, an indoor activity area, a smaller classroom with cloakroom, and a covered outside area. This ensures the children have access to the outdoors whatever the weather.

Staff in the Nursery are currently ensuring that the children are well prepared for the transition from Pre-school into Reception in September. They participate in regular group and individual activities to develop listening and attention skills and develop pre-reading, writing and mathematical skills. These are very beneficial to help children with the demands of a busy Reception class.

The Early Years department at Ashfield Park is very fortunate to employ their own Speech and Language Learning mentor, Mrs Sue Wardale. She works with children on a one to one basis and small groups to develop language and communication skills. This early intervention programme has proven invaluable in identifying and addressing young children with language delay.

The nursery and school at Ashfield Park take every opportunity to involve parents in their child’s development through building good relationships and sharing information. Staff also welcome opportunities for parents to spend time in Nursery, encouraging them to discover how their children are progressing and extending their learning.

The School and Nursery are currently surveying parents (past and present) to gain feedback on how the provision can be further developed to suit the needs of families. Please access this survey via the website; www.ashfieldpark.org

The Nursery will be holding an Open Morning on Thursday, April 26th from 9 30-11am.

Everyone is invited to visit and see all that Ashfield Park Nursery has to offer.