Early Years Department
Welcome to Early Years
The Early Years Department at Portesbery is a mixed nursery and reception group (children aged 3-5 years old) currently based in Caterpillar Class, with some pupils also integrating with Dragonfly Class and Butterfly Class.
Caterpillar Class
Dragonfly Class
Butterfly Class
Transition Process
We offer a truly bespoke transition for every family. No two families have the same
requirements in the same way no two children are the same, everyone is unique. Therefore
we work very closely with families, previous settings, Portage, Early Help and any other
agencies or professionals to ensure we are fully informed and prepared to design an ideal
transition. We will visit a child in their current setting (if attending a setting) and we will also
attend any meetings and EHCP reviews. We will invite families for a tour of Portesbery to
show you the facilities available, to meet staff and to answer any question you may have.
Once a place is confirmed, either by a Case Worker or Surrey, we will take the next steps to
build a transition timetable. Firstly, we will also come for a home visit which is an excellent
opportunity for families to ask questions and for us to get to really know you all. Secondly,
we will start to plan for your child’s first days at Portesbery. How this looks is entirely over
to you – some families feel it is best for a child to attend for full days from the beginning,
other families prefer to start with shortened days and to stay with their child. We will offer
guidance and support in making these decisions and always ensure your wishes are
respected.
Our Philosophy
We believe, you as parents, are the key person in helping us get to know your child. We will
work with you in regard to settling your child into school. There is no set format– it is very
much led by you and your child's needs as shared above.
We believe that trust is a key to a happy child and your child will be assigned a special key
person to work with them and settle them in. They will establish a good bond with your
child and feedback to you regularly. All our staff are highly trained in a range of strategies
for supporting children to learn.
We believe in starting where your child is at– it is important for us to find out what interests
them and what they like so we can create an environment that is familiar, fun, happy and
safe for them. All our sessions are based in play and we offer a free-flow environment. We
can use a range of personalised strategies to support your child accessing activities and
sessions.
We believe in happy children and happy parents! Communication is really important to us
and we hope you feel that you can contact us at any time. We will do our best to respond to
you as quickly as we can. There are many different ways to share information including face
to face time with the class teacher, phone calls, emails and your child’s home-school diary.
We also take lots of photos and little videos, which will provide a window into your child’s
day and a lovely record of their time in Early Years.
Feedback from Parents
'I am absolutely delighted with Portesbery School, it is a wonderful nurturing environment, the teachers and the whole staff in Caterpillar Class are amazing with the children.
The ladies really take the time to get to know each child individual needs and provide for them accordingly. My son started with the Portesbery School in September 2023 and his development since starting there has been remarkable. He is improving and making a lot of progress. He is always so excited to go into the school and the range of activities that they do each day is fantastic. He has learnt much in such a short space of time there. The outdoors and the indoor pool facilities are brilliant too and my son loves it.
My experience is really great having my child in Early Years at Portesbery School. I thoroughly recommend this fantastic school.'
(February 2024)
Discovering Portesbery has made all the difference to my husband and I. We will never look back on our sons life, thinking we could’ve done more for him.
We looked at so many different SEND schools. As we were welcomed into the school the reassurance washed over us. It was bursting with happy faces and love. We knew we were in the very best place.
The school will give every opportunity our child deserves.
Nathan Aspinall and his team have opened our eyes to a wonderful world of Neurodiversity.
The Early Years is so important, Adele and the teachers are incredible.
We will always to be grateful and continually humbled by the dedication that they show the children.(February 2024)
The Early years department at Portesbery have been amazing. They have provided a safe space for our children to thrive, our son has loved attending school. We're so grateful for all the support their staff have given us.
(March 2024)
As I watched all the children go into class. I said to another mum how lovely it is that all of the children are always so excited and happy to start their school day. That in itself is reassuring as a parent. But on a personal level I love how well L has settled, not only is he happy and relaxed to go to school, but I also notice him flourishing at home because of the confidence Portesbery brings out in him. Added to this, all the staff at Portesbery are wonderful! I wanted L to come to Portesbery long before he was able to apply, this is down to the staff, and how friendly and welcoming you all are. The communication and understanding from staff to parents is excellent. Portesbery is faultless, and has to be the happiest, most welcoming school I've ever come across.
(March 2024)
Please see our video introduction below to see our happy and engaging environment.