Subject to planning consent being obtained Wellington Prep School is developing its outstanding Early Years provision in exciting new moves.
The addition of a brand new nursery will significantly extend the School’s Nursery and allow more families to benefit from the quality of teaching. It will also enable the School to take children from two years old.
“The quality of our Early Years provision is well known and the inspection reports in 2011 and 2014 both judged our setting to be ‘Outstanding’ in all areas,” commented Prep School Headmaster Adam Gibson. “This success is due to an exceptionally strong team of staff and the close partnership we enjoy with our families. Given this success, it comes as no surprise that the demand for places has increased so much that we now have a waiting list.”
The proposed new building will be on 175 Avenue, opposite the Prep School playground, and will care for two year olds. Subject to planning approval it will be open in September 2016 and the existing nursery unit will remain in place and be dedicated to three and four year olds.
“Over the last six months we have developed plans with architects and visited other nurseries in order to create the best possible child-centred, innovative and environmentally friendly design. We are delighted with the proposals and we are currently discussing these with Taunton Deane Borough Council as we move through the planning process,” commented Adam Gibson.
To reinforce the strength of the Early Years provision, the new position of Head of Early Years has been created. From September 2015, Miss Jemma Harvey-Jones will lead and manage the Nursery and Reception teams whilst based in the current Nursery.
Educated at Colyton Grammar School, University of Reading and Exeter University, Jemma was previously Assistant Head of the Junior School at St John’s International School in Sidmouth, where she spent six years. She was also responsible for the mentoring of NQT staff. She has recently been engaged in delivering tutoring for trainee teachers for the University of Buckingham and is currently training with EMLC to gain her NPQSL.
“We are delighted with the appointment of Jemma to head up our Early Years section of the school,” remarked Adam Gibson.” Her experience, enthusiasm and abilities will lead this exciting new project and we are thrilled with the development of our Nursery provision. We look forward to her joining us in September and seeing our children’s experiences in the Early Years going from strength to strength”.
Plans for the new Nursery can be seen in the reception area of the Prep School Office from early May and are subject to planning consent.