Puss In Boots founder Helen Guerrini and the staff at this nursery – cited by Ofsted to be outstanding – believe that real or deep learning comes about when children are engaged and curious.
“Parents often ask if our nursery is academic or play-based,” says co-owner and head teacher Amelia Aptaker. “And I’ll reply that we are academic because we are play-based.” Having been at the nursery for over 10 years, Amelia knows that all children have a huge drive to learn and subjects like Maths and Literacy are best taught in meaningful contexts and through play. “If children understand that it’s exciting to read or why they need numbers, and if you can give them knowledge through activities which they naturally enjoy, then they learn faster.”
For the children aged 2 – 4 years currently at Puss In Boots, there are modern resources in a very large hall with high ceilings, and an adjoining garden. The interior is designed to offer quieter areas for reading, space for art and construction activities, and home corners for role playing and small world play. Pre-schoolers learn to chop and bake and do some woodwork, and all the children go out once a week in small groups to explore nature.
Led by the motto: We look after the nursery and each other, this nursery attracts children from many different backgrounds and their diversity is celebrated, especially through language. Amelia sums up, “We’re small enough to be a community but big enough to create different dynamics.”
Amelia is also grateful for having ten qualified teachers, experienced in responsive teaching, and in her words – “thoughtful, proactive and passionate about child development.”
The core day is from 09.00 – 15.20, with an optional early start at 08.30 and there are limited spaces for the cosy time from 15.20 – 17.00. Parents are welcome to visit on Fridays.
Puss In Boots Nursery is on Agincourt Rd, London NW3
www.pussinbootsnursery.co.uk
Email: amelia@pussinbootsnursery.co.uk
020 7267 2181
