Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Early Education in Bracknell
Paws Nursery School was established in 1995 as a family-owned and operated early education provider in Bracknell. Our mission is to deliver high-quality childcare and pre-school education in a stimulating, safe environment. We focus on developing confident, independent children through a curriculum aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. With OFSTED registration and a team of qualified professionals, we offer flexible session options including government-funded hours.Our approach combines child-led play with structured learning, supported by continuous assessment and parental engagement through tools like Tapestry. We maintain strong partnerships with local authorities and specialise in catering for children with additional needs through our SENCO team.
Services
Early Years Education
Childcare Services
Special Needs Support
Parent Workshops
Flexible Session Options
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of experience in early childhood education
- OFSTED-registered with proven quality standards
- Flexible session combinations including funded hours
- Specialist SENCO team for additional needs support
- Daily parental updates through Tapestry learning journal
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
Services
Early Years Education
Structured educational programmes following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Combines child-led play with adult-guided activities to develop communication, physical and social skills. Regular observations track individual progress and inform targeted learning objectives.
Childcare Services
Flexible childcare sessions operating 8:30am-4pm with morning, afternoon and full-day options. Offers both government-funded and private-pay arrangements. Includes lunch club and extended hours options to accommodate working parents' schedules.
Special Needs Support
Tailored support for children with special educational needs through our dedicated SENCO team. Implements individualised learning plans using the 'assess, plan, do, review' cycle. Works closely with parents and external agencies to provide appropriate resources and interventions.
Parent Workshops
Regular parent meetings and annual information evenings to discuss child development. Provides access to Tapestry online learning journals for real-time updates. Encourages home observations to inform individualised learning strategies.
Flexible Session Options
Mix-and-match session arrangements including 3-hour funded blocks and full-day options. Additional morning and afternoon clubs available for extended care. Term-time operation following local school calendars with 39-week annual schedule.
People
Mrs A.K. Fretwell
Founder & Principal
BA Hons graduate with PGCE in Early Years Education. OFSTED-trained nursery inspector with over 25 years' experience in early childhood development. Established Paws Nursery School in 1995.
Ms Emma White
Manager & Teacher
Holds International Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Level 4). Oversees daily operations while maintaining hands-on teaching role. Specialises in child-led learning approaches.
Mrs Natasha Ellery
Administrator
Certificate of Higher Education in Early Primary Education. Manages financial, marketing and regulatory compliance aspects of the nursery.
Miss Rachel Smith
Nursery Teacher
NVQ Level 3 qualified educator with specialist knowledge in early communication development. Implements individualised learning plans based on continuous observations.
Mrs Lyndsey Sinclair
Nursery Teacher
NVQ Level 3 certified teacher focusing on physical development and motor skills. Works closely with SENCO team to adapt activities for diverse needs.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children aged 2-5 years old, including those eligible for government-funded places from age 3.
How do I apply for a nursery place?
Use our online enquiry form or contact us directly. Complete registration forms and pay a £30 fee for non-funded sessions.
What curriculum do you follow?
Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, covering seven key learning areas through play-based activities.
Do you offer flexible hours?
Yes, we provide morning, afternoon and full-day sessions with optional morning/afternoon clubs for extended care.
How are special needs supported?
Our SENCO team works with parents and external agencies to create individualised support plans using the 'assess, plan, do, review' approach.
What are your term dates?
We operate 39 weeks annually across three terms aligned with local school calendars, with specific dates published annually.
Reviews (6)
Zoe Claire Paton
Feb 07, 2020
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Both my boys have been to paws and my youngest son is currently there and he loves it. The staff go above and beyond for the children in their care. Thankyou! Highly recommend them to anyone looking for a nursery.
Lynsey Levey
Jan 25, 2017
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I came to view your nursery this morning and can't wait for my little one to start in April! You know when you walk in somewhere if it's the right place for you're child and mine ran off like it was home. Looking forward for Freya joining you! X
Laura Sinden
Dec 16, 2016
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We absolutely love Paws!! Our daughter is an August baby and we were worried that this might put her on the back foot when starting school next year - quite the contrary, having sent her to this fantastic nursery we along with our daughter are extremely confident that she has gained all the necessary skills to begin her journey in compulsory education. Thank you to the team at Paws!!
Lisa Allen
Sep 10, 2015
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My daughter Kaitlin who is now 13 attended PAWS nursery. It was a wonderful introduction to school life and the teachers were amazing! She really loved her time there and even though we are now living in Canada still talks fondly of her preschool :)
Caroline O'Grady
Mar 25, 2015
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Both my girls went to Paws in fact one is still there. A real home from home and my children love it. Fantastic teachers, lovely atmosphere and both my daughters confidence flourished. Would recommend any day.
Tracy Brown
Mar 23, 2015
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Both my girls have been at Paws nursery, it's such a homely, friendly, family environment. My children feel safe, loved and cared for by the staff
