Wellington Prep School is to extend its nursery and begin taking children from the age of two. Subject to planning permission, the proposed new building will open in September 2016, with the existing nursery unit remaining in place to cater for three- and four-year-olds.
“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,” says 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.
“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.”
The school has also created the new position of head of early years, with Jemma Harvey-Jones taking on the role of leading and managing the nursery and reception teams from September this year. 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,” says 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”.
