The Nursery was established by Kate Blinstrub B.Ed. in 1989 and has enjoyed continuous success and recognition in the community of East Reading and beyond.
Kate had experienced a challenging and varied teaching career teaching English and Drama at a Girls School followed by teaching in two local primary schools and Reading Alternative School. Shortly before opening the Nursery Kate taught business studies and communication skills at Reading College as well as basic skills to young offenders at Reading Prison.
Michelle Thatcher NNEB joined as the Nursery Manager in January 2004.Michelle began her career as a Nursery Practitioner in the pre-prep department at Crosfields School before having her own children.
Kate and Michelle have well over 30 years experience between them of caring for children and their families.
Read our nursery policies >
Early Years Foundation Stage
Schools and Early Years providers all follow a structure of learning and development called the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This enables young children to learn through a range of activities and experiences, it also ensures that children learn through play.
Children should: "Respond in a variety of ways to what they see, hear, smell, touch and feel"
(Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Creative Development:2.18).
Creativity is at the heart of everything we do. Children thrive by exploring their senses and imaginations.
Painting, sticking, gluing and messy play take place alongside a wide range of construction, problem-solving and child-initiated activities every day.
All children have opportunities to experience drama, music, singing, story-telling, dancing, physical play and yoga with both guidance and free expression. This ensures they are "provided with opportunities to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings."
(Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Creative Development:2.17).
"Children encounter creatures, people, plants and objects in their natural environments and in real-life situations."
(Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Knowledge and understanding of the world: 2.13).
Our large garden with its woodland walkway offers a stimulating and exploratory area for the children to plant, dig and investigate all forms of wildlife.
Outdoor play and learning is a vital and enriching experience for young children at a time when they use their senses to make discoveries and when their curiosity is at its peak.
There is an outside classroom and large shade sail so that our outdoor activities are not compromised by the weather.
Our rooms are calmly decorated with subtle colours and natural materials. Antique pine sits alongside contemporary beech furniture, soft fabric and wicker storage affords comfortable access to equipment by the children.
There are two totally separate sleep rooms for babies and children who need to sleep in addition to our quiet room.
"Rest and sleep are as important for babies and children as good food."
(The EYFS: Principles into practice: A Unique Child 1.4 :Health and Well-being.)