Willow Dene School needed to expand its estate with a new SEN building for its sixth-form students Leading modularbuildingspecialists,WernickBuildingswerewilling and able to take on this challenge The sixth form block is a project delivered by the Royal Borough of Greenwich Council for Willow Dene School, part of Compass Partnership Focusing on modern education requirements, the new building will provide teaching spaces for newly formedgroupsofstudentsovertheageof15
With its students in mind, the building required specialist features to safeguard the students along with supporting the staff Royal Borough of Greenwich actively addressed the increasing demand for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEN) provisions for students in the local area In collaboration with Willow Dene School, the Council’s Education and Child Services departments played a key role in defining the requirements for extending support to studentswithspecialeducationalneeds
The Borough committed to funding the development of additional facilities on one of the school’s two sites to meet these requirements, reflecting their dedication to enhancing educational provisions and supporting the diverseneedsofthecommunity
“The reason for our school’s expansion is that we have had a growing cohort of children with complex and special needs. They’re the most vulnerable children in our local area, and there were not sufficient school places in our local area. Our local authority consulted with us about expanding so we could keep our children between16and19.”
A modular building solution with student’s safety in mind
The building consists of 14 modules which were manufactured ‘offsite’ in South Wales at Wernick’s specialist manufacturing facility Each module was transported and craned into position at the school to form the completed building This was ideal for the estate as the building needed to be positioned within a tight space tucked between the existing school building and car park Modular buildings can be installed quickly and efficiently, often during holiday periods, ensuring minimal disruption to daily activities Designed with the needs of SEN students in mind, this building incorporates thoughtful features to support its users.
The completion of Willow Dene School’s new SEN modular building marks an exciting milestone for its sixth-form students Designed with accessibility and inclusivity at its core, the state-of-the-art facility provides tailored spaces to support learning, development, and well-being By combining innovative modular construction with thoughtful design, the project demonstrates how modern buildings can deliver practical solutions for specialist education Willow Dene School now has a versatile, purpose-built environment to empower its students and staff foryears to come
“Wernick were absolutely brilliant at listening, taking our feedback, changing the design and the requirements” Rachel Harrison - Executive Head Teacher at Willow Dene School
N E W F U N D I
G B R I N G S
£75 million expansion fund aims to boost nursery capacity and attract new talent into childcare sector.
Following a period of pressure and uncertainty in the early years sector, new government investment is being welcomed as a potential turning point for providers looking to expand and evolve. The Department for Education (DfE) recently announced a £75 million expansion fund, designed to help nurseries and childminders increase capacity and recruit the staff needed to deliver the upcoming funded childcare entitlement for children aged nine months and above.
The fund is part of a wider push to support settings as the government rolls out its expanded childcare offer—aimed at saving parents thousands in fees and making childcare more accessible across England.
Nurseries, pre-schools and childminders can apply for capital funding to extend premises, upgrade facilities, or invest in staffing to meet local demand. For many providers, the funding represents not just a lifeline—but an opportunity to grow sustainably.
“This is a real chance for forward-thinking settings to expand their reach and strengthen their teams,” said Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association. “With the right support, we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s success stories.”
Alongside the expansion fund, the government has also increased the Early Years Pupil Premium by 45%, and launched initiatives to promote careers in childcare. Recruitment campaigns, bursaries, and training incentives are being developed to encourage more people to enter the profession—particularly in under-served areas.
As nurseries across the country prepare for the next phase of expansion, providers are hopeful that this wave of funding will bring lasting improvements—not only in capacity, but in quality, innovation, and the recognition early years professionals deserve.
LITTLE MIRACLES CHARITY HOSTS NETWORKING LUNCH TO SUPPORT FAMILIES
The UK government's flagship plan to create over 100,000 new nursery places through the expansion of school-based nurseries is facing mounting criticism from early years organisations. While the policy is designed to improve access to affordable childcare, sector leaders warn it may be having unintended consequences—particularly for private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) nurseries.
The Department for Education (DfE) has pledged to invest in early years provision within primary schools as part of its broader childcare entitlement expansion. This includes funding for new nursery classrooms and facilities, especially in areas of high need. However, concerns have emerged that some existing PVI nurseries many of which operate on school premises under lease or partnership agreements—are being displaced to make way for state-run provision.
Displacement of PVI Nurseries
Early years groups report that in several cases, PVI providers have been asked to vacate school sites to accommodate new nursery classes run directly by the schools. This has led to the closure or forced relocation of long-standing early years settings, creating disruption for families and uncertainty for staff.
Neil Leitch, Chief Executive of the Early Years Alliance, said the trend risks undermining the diversity and accessibility of early years provision: "We fully support the goal of expanding childcare access, but not at the expense of established providers who have been serving their communities for years.
Replacing PVI nurseries with school-led provision doesn't necessarily increase capacity—it often just shifts it."
Campaigners have also raised concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable families who rely on trusted, community-based providers. PVI nurseries often offer flexible hours, wraparound care, and a close-knit environment tailored to family needs. Critics argue that centrally-managed school settings may struggle to replicate this level of personalisation.
The Department for Education maintains that school-based expansion is necessary to meet rising demand and to deliver the upcoming increase in funded hours for children from nine months old. A DfE spokesperson stated:
Sector leaders are calling for safeguards to prevent PVI displacement and ensure they’re included in local planning, warning the policy may cause more harm than good without clearer guidance.
OUR SHOWCASE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION ARE DESIGNED TO SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH DIVERSE LEARNING NEEDS. THESE INCLUDE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS TEXT-TO-SPEECH SOFTWARE, COMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR NONVERBAL STUDENTS, AND ADAPTIVE TOOLS LIKE SENSORY EQUIPMENT AND MODIFIED LEARNING MATERIALS.
EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE TAILORED TO DIFFERENT LEARNING STYLES AND COGNITIVE ABILITIES, LIKE APPS FOR READING, MATHS, OR BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT, ALSO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE.
Our new feature exploring commercial property within the early years sector, property within the early years sector, highlighting essential services and highlighting essential services and innovations that are supporting the innovations that are supporting the growth and development of nurseries. growth and development of nurseries.
The feature covers key aspects such The feature covers key aspects such as commercial property allowances, as commercial property allowances, which offer valuable financial which offer valuable financial incentives for nursery owners. It also incentives for nursery owners. It also delves into the importance of safety delves into the importance of safety and functionality in nursery and functionality in nursery infrastructure, showcasing products infrastructure, showcasing products designed to enhance the learning and designed to enhance the learning and caregiving environments. This caregiving environments. This includes equipment for activity includes equipment for activity spaces, fire safety solutions, and spaces, fire safety solutions, and durable, practical installations like durable, practical installations like toilet cubicles. toilet cubicles.
Additionally, the feature touches on Additionally, the feature touches on security measures like gate security measures like gate installations, ensuring that nurseries installations, ensuring that nurseries remain safe and secure for children. remain safe and secure for children. Overall, the feature underscores the Overall, the feature underscores the crucial role that property-related crucial role that property-related services and products play in the services and products play in the success and safety of early years success and safety of early years settings, offering practical solutions settings, offering practical solutions for business owners looking to invest for business owners looking to invest in and improve their nurseries. in and improve their nurseries.
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A simple and practical A simple and practical system, designed to system, designed to maintain privacy maintain privacy whilst allowing adult whilst allowing adult supervision within supervision within schools for infants. schools for infants.
Fostering Fostering & Adoption & Adoption
Fostering&Adoption: Nurturing Fostering&Adoption: Nurturing Love, Building Families. Love, Building Families.
In the rapidly evolving world of early childhood education, staying In the rapidly evolving world of early childhood education, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for fostering the next generation of ahead of the curve is crucial for fostering the next generation of learners learners Our Education Products & Services feature highlights the Our Education Products & Services feature highlights the latest innovations in products and services that support the critical latest innovations in products and services that support the critical developmental stages of young children. Aimed at educators, developmental stages of young children Aimed at educators, administrators, and decision-makers in early years & primary administrators, and decision-makers in early years & primary education, this feature explores the tools, resources, and services education, this feature explores the tools, resources, and services designed to enhance learning environments, streamline classroom designed to enhance learning environments, streamline classroom management, and engage both children and families Discover the management, and engage both children and families Discover the solutions that can make a lasting impact on early education solutions that can make a lasting impact on early education outcomes and drive success within your institution outcomes and drive success within your institution.
Please use reference ‘EYT0225' for a £50 discount
www.interactivetouchtechnology.co.uk
The Edutouch Early
Years
The Edutouch Early Years Digital
Digital Interactive Touch Table: Interactive Touch Table: A A Revolution in Early Childhood Education Revolution in Early Childhood Education
Interactive learning tools have become essential in modern Interactive learning tools have become essential in modern education, especially in early education, especially in early childhood, where the childhood, where the foundation for future learning is laid. The Edutouch Early foundation for future learning is laid The Edutouch Early Years Digital Interactive Touch Table, designed and Years Digital Interactive Touch Table, designed and manufactured by Interactive Touch Technology Ltd, stands manufactured by Interactive Touch Technology Ltd, stands out as a state-of-the-art tool that combines cutting-edge out as a state-of-the-art tool that combines cutting-edge technology with the principles of early years pedagogy technology with the principles of early years pedagogy.
The touch table is equipped with a The touch table is equipped with a highly responsive, multi-touch highly responsive, multi-touch surface that allows multiple surface that allows multiple children children to engage simultaneously. This to engage simultaneously This feature fosters collaboration, social feature fosters social interaction, and teamwork, essential interaction, and teamwork, essential skills for early childhood skills for early childhood development development.
Key Features of the Edutouch Key Features of the Edutouch Interactive Touch Table Interactive Touch Table
The Edutouch Touch Table is a dynamic, multi-
The Edutouch Touch Table is a dynamic, multifunctional device designed specifically for functional device designed specifically for young young learners. Its robust design and rich feature set make it learners. Its robust design and rich feature set make it an invaluable addition to classrooms, nurseries, and an invaluable addition to classrooms, nurseries, and other early childhood learning environments Some of other early childhood learning environments. Some of its standout features include: its standout features include:
Child-Friendly Design Child-Friendly Design
Designed with young learners in Designed with young learners in mind, the Edutouch table features mind, Edutouch table features rounded edges, a rounded edges, a durable screen, durable screen, and an adjustable height to suit and an adjustable height to suit various age groups The materials various age groups. The materials used are both robust and safe, used are both robust and safe, ensuring the product can withstand ensuring the product can withstand frequent use in busy environments frequent use in busy environments.
Customizable and Expandable Content Customizable
Educators can customize the software to meet Educators can customize the software to meet specific curricular requirements or introduce specific curricular requirements or introduce additional applications for more personalized additional applications for more personalized learning. The table supports a variety of learning The table supports a variety of formats, ensuring seamless integration with formats, ensuring seamless integration existing resources existing resources.
The touch table comes preloaded The touch table comes with a rich suite of interactive learning a rich suite of interactive applications tailored applications tailored to early years to early years education. These include games, education These include games, puzzles, and creative tools that puzzles, and tools that support literacy, numeracy, problem- support literacy, numeracy, problemsolving, and motor skill development. solving, and motor skill development
Ease of Mobility and Versatility
Ease of Mobility and Versatility
The device is mounted on sturdy casters, The device is mounted on sturdy casters, making it easy to move between classrooms or making it easy to move between classrooms or learning zones Its versatility allows it to learning zones. Its versatility allows it to function as a standalone workstation, group function as a standalone workstation, group activity hub, or interactive display screen. activity hub, or interactive display screen
Interactive Touch Technology Ltd has established itself as a leader in the interactive Interactive Touch Technology Ltd has established itself as a leader in the interactive technology industry. The company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and user-centric technology industry. The company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and user-centric design ensures that its products remain at the forefront of the market. With a strong focus on design ensures that its products remain at the forefront of the market. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, they offer comprehensive support, including installation, training, and customer satisfaction, they offer comprehensive support, including installation, training, and ongoing maintenance. ongoing maintenance.
Whether you’re an educator looking to enrich your classroom or an organization seeking
Whether you’re an educator looking to enrich your classroom or an organization seeking cutting-edge display solutions, the offerings from Interactive Touch Technology Ltd provide cutting-edge display solutions, the offerings from Interactive Touch Technology Ltd provide unparalleled value and versatility. unparalleled value and versatility.
Complete, peace of mind IT support for schools and businesses
We help business leaders tackle IT gremlins with simple, honest, effective IT support services, thus reducing risk and driving efficiency in your business or educational establishment.
Comprehensive, onsite and remote IT support and service level agreements for schools and academies.
Simple, honest, effective education IT support services to help deliver your Digital Strategy.
Empowering Your School with Future-Ready Technology Solutions
As a school, you face growing challenges in delivering high-quality education while keeping up with ever-evolving technology standards in today’s fast-paced world. We understand the unique demands of the education sector and offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to help your school thrive. At Evolve, we are revolutionising how IT supports education by combining strategy, innovation, and a people-first approach.
Strategic IT Solutions for Your School
At the heart of our service is a strategic vision tailored to the education sector. Recognising that every school has unique challenges, we partner with your leaders to create bespoke IT strategies that align with your long-term goals. With a focus on a 35-year finance and technology roadmap, your school can confidently plan for the future, ensuring sustainable growth and predictable costs.
Compliance with DfE Digital Standards
Navigating Department for Education (DfE) digital standards can be complex. We simplify the process, ensuring your school meets compliance requirements without unnecessary stress. From connectivity to cybersecurity, we prioritise a robust and secure digital infrastructure that enhances education and meets government expectations.
Cloud-First, Serverless Technology
We champion a cloud-first, serverless approach to IT, enabling your school to move away from aging, costly on-premises systems. By embracing cloud technology, your school unlocks unparalleled scalability, flexibility, and efficiency. This forward-thinking approach streamlines operations, reduces downtime, and ensures seamless access to resources whether in the classroom or remotely.
Safeguarding and Keeping Children Safe in Education
We take safeguarding seriously, ensuring your school has the tools and systems to protect students in an increasingly digital world. From robust content filtering to proactive cybersecurity measures, we provide peace of mind that children are safe online, fully aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines.
Predictable Costs and Financial Clarity
IT budgets can be unpredictable, but we eliminate uncertainty with transparent pricing and clear financial planning. Our 3-5 year finance plans allow your school to anticipate expenses and manage resources effectively, avoiding costly surprises. Our expertise ensures that your school can invest in technology with confidence, knowing it’s a sound financial decision.
Enhancing Work-Life Balance for Teachers and Staff
A well-functioning IT system is critical to reducing stress for teachers and staff. Our solutions minimise disruptions, improve efficiency, and free your educators to focus on what matters most: teaching. With intuitive tools and systems that work seamlessly, your teachers can reclaim valuable time, achieving a healthier work-life balance.
Partner with Us
We are more than an IT provider - we are a partner in education. By aligning technology with strategy, compliance, and safeguarding, we empower your school to confidently embrace the future.
With predictable costs, cloud-first innovation, and a commitment to supporting educators, we are redefining what IT can do for your school.
Ready to evolve your school’s IT? Visit us today to learn how we can help your school succeed.
Early years is a crucial stage in a child’s development – but it’s also a messy one.
From seamlessly changing nappies to keeping tiny hands as clean and germ-free as possible, it’s important to create a safe and hygienic environment – where children can learn, explore and thrive with confidence.
As a specialist supplier, we’ve worked with nurseries and pre-schools in the UK for over 25 years. With an extensive online range of trusted brands, child-friendly products and practical solutions, we can provide the ideal childcare supplies for your early years setting.
Discover the perfect start
Choosing the right nursery & pre-prep for your child is an important step in their educational journey. This spring, independent schools will be opening their doors, offering parents the chance to explore their nurturing environments, curriculums and facilities.
Open mornings provide a unique opportunity to tour classrooms, meet the teachers and see first-hand how these schools foster creativity, curiosity and confidence in their youngest learners.
Be sure to check our editions on a weekly basis as we showcase a range of independent schools open mornings/days and book your visit today!
Dolphin School continues to be a magical place for children to grow, learn and enjoy their education. I am amazed at the range of unique experiences our children enjoy throughout each academic year; boys and girls at Dolphin excel and make the most of every opportunity on offer, whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or one of our wonderful day or residential trips.
Our Dolphin Project Qualifications (DPQs) are a programme of bespoke learning opportunities, unique to the school, which run across Years 3-8 and offer the opportunity for children to explore a problem in more detail whilst developing competencies such as collaboration, independence, creativity and confidence. Alongside the completion of more traditional assessments, these projects are part of a 'multiple pathways to success' model, and have been designed to give our pupils the skills to prosper and succeed in the real world beyond school. They encourage our boys and girls to think deeply, to ask questions, and to articulate their findings cogently.
Our top two year groups have recently enjoyed their residential to Italy, a full week cramming in visits to Pompeii, the Colosseum, and even gladiator school! This is the pinnacle of our extensive trips programme, with all children from Year 3 upwards partaking in a residential (or two) each year to further their learning, but also their independence and resilience.
We are also pleased to announce a new event this year, Dolphin Arts Day, which will take place on Saturday 3 May. Dolphin School is Venue 25 for the Henley Arts Trail and we look forward to exhibiting our own artistic endeavours alongside those of some very talented professionals. All are welcome and we look forward to seeing many of you there!
Adam Hurst, Head
For more information about Dolphin School, email us at admissions@dolphinschool.com or visit our website dolphinschool.com
Eagle House Early Years buzzes with life. It is a bright and stimulating place where everyone is made to feel special. Comprising Nursery and Reception this is where we build the foundations for our children to flourish. A broad all-round curriculum ensures happy, engaged learning. Our experienced team teaches a careful blend of numeracy and literacy along with science, technology, French, art, sport, swimming, drama and outdoor learning through play based activities. These experiences encourage enquiring, investigative minds.
A focus on caring for others, showing respect and kindness and celebrating success at every level is at the heart of our Early Years offering. Strong foundations ensure the very best for our children. Confidence, curiosity and kindness are the keystones of our philosophy which continues as they move upwards through our Junior School.
Exciting play environments around school encourage social confidence and understanding, and the ability to use the excellent facilities around the school ensure a passion for life that is palpable amongst children, parents and teachers.
Bright and open areas, all with outside access to our fabulous outdoor classroom help us provide a happy, safe, warm and stimulating environment for all children to play, learn and develop freely.
Nursery&Childcare
Benefits
Free parking on-site
Free hot lunchtime meals
Opportunity to do a Leadership and Management qualification on site
Discounted Starbucks, modern hair and beauty salon offering employee discounts
A discounted on-site gym, sports hall, fitness class, osteopathy and day nursery
Free online qualifications
Duties
Supporting children in play and learning activities
Everyday care routines such as meal and sleep times
Enhancing the environment with creative and exciting ideas
Observing and record keeping of children’s development and planning to meet their individual needs
Establishing positive relationships with parents and carers
Meet Laura!
Early Years Supervisor
I'm Laura and have worked at Nestots now for 18 years. I've always enjoyed working as part of a team and being involved in early years. I have worked my way up to a supervisor role and like coming into work where I feel happy in my job role.
Our mission is to provide a loving, safe, and nurturing environment for children to grow and develop self-confidence It will feel like a home away from home, a warm, comfortable, fun place to be Our focus is the socio-emotional health and growth of children, their families, and caregivers We believe that teaching kindness, resilience, and promoting curiosity and independence is at the heart of quality childcare We follow the curiosity approach to nurture a child’s natural love of learning through exploration and discovery Our environment is designed to encourage creativity, independence, and collaboration, and we value flexibility and adaptability to meet the changing needs and interests of each child. We are currently working towards our Curiosity Approach accreditation.
We are looking for a Qualified Nursery Practitioner to work as part of the team as well as the youngest members of our community, caring for them and fostering their development. Please contact us for the full job description and person specification.
Nursery&Childcare
Our new nursery is designed with love and care to provide a nurturing environment for children aged 0-5 years. We understand that every child is unique, and our dedicated team of experienced educators are committed to fostering their curiosity, creativity, and growth.
Level 3 Early Years Educator
£26,984.10 to £29,000 per annum pro rata
Job summary – A highly skilled and experienced Early Years Educator to join the White Stork Nursery team and play a pivotal role in providing exceptional care and education for young children The primary responsibilities will be implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum, and creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for children aged 0-5 years. The purpose of the Early Years Educator is to work with management and the team to promote, encourage and implement safe, high quality education and care for the children This post involves working alongside other Early Years Educators and Senior Early Years Educators.
Level 2 Early Years Educator
£25,282.40 to £27,500 per annum pro rata
Job summary – An Early Years Educator to join the White Stork Nursery team and continue learning and professionally developing in order to play a pivotal role in providing exceptional care and education for young children. The primary responsibilities will be working with a team of Early Years Educators, implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum, and supporting a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for children aged 0-5 years The purpose of the Early Years Educator is to work closely with the nursery team to learn and provide a safe, high quality education and care for the children. This post would be suitable for an apprentice or Early Years Educators wanting to continue training
