Headteacher of The Lea Primary School, James Berry, is very proud of the work their Nursery do to provide a nurturing environment for the school’s youngest attendees.  But he found that many parents whose children join the school in Reception class, are unable to make use of the Nursery prior to that because the structure of the provision that has been available up until now didn’t suit working parents who require flexibility and the option of wraparound care.

Always striving to improve, the school set about seeking a partner to provide an extended and more flexible timetable that would better meet the needs of the school community.  The outstanding reputation of the Noah’s Ark Pre-School led to conversations with the Nursery Owner/Managers Denise Shaw and Claire Moffatt, who at the time were also looking for a school who would be interested in the provision they could offer.

It became apparent to both parties that with the same ethos built around informal play-based learning, providing a nurturing and secure environment, and developing good learning characteristics, Noah’s Ark and The Lea were an excellent fit for each other, and a new partnership was born.

This September Nursery parents at The Lea Primary School will be able to use their 15 hours (or 30 hours if eligible) of free childcare provision across a mix of morning and afternoon sessions to suit their needs, with morning sessions (8.45 – 11.45am) being provided by Nursery teaching staff at The Lea and afternoon sessions (12.30 – 3.30pm) being provided by Noah’s Ark. 

In addition, parents have the option of an early Breakfast Club (7.30-8.45am) and After-school care (3.30 – 6pm) both provided by Noah’s Ark, and a Lunch club (11.45am – 12.30pm) provided by the school all available at affordable prices.

All sessions will be delivered on-site at The Lea School bringing the added benefit of all the space, equipment and resources that the school has available, including a new Early Years Playground, which is on the cards thanks to a generous grant from The Harpenden Trust.

Both parties are understandably excited about the launch of this new partnership describing it as “the best of both worlds” - combining the teacher-led provision and outstanding resources that the school can offer alongside the experienced staff and flexible, extended care that Noah’s Ark can provide, all wrapped up in one quality, affordable package.

If you would like more information about your child joining the Nursery at The Lea take a look at the school’s Nursery page on their website and the new Noah's Ark at the Lea website. Please do then get in touch with them as they would love to hear from you!