A new collaboration is set to take the magic of Peter Pan to the woodlands of Eastwick.

From September, Peter Pan Playschool will move to The Eastwick Schools, becoming Peter Pan at Eastwick. The new partnership will provide much-needed nursery places in the local community.

The Peter Pan Playschool has been serving the families of Great Bookham for over thirty years. It is committed to helping all children make progress from their individual starting point. In recent years, it has operated out of the hall at Eastwick Road Church.

The Eastwick Schools, part of The Howard Partnership Trust (THPT), is a place where children are “ready for everything”. It consists of an infant and junior school and benefits from a large school site featuring large playing fields and a woodland. Results at Eastwick are above the national average.

The new partnership will bolster both parties in their bid to serve the Great Bookham community. It will make life easier for parents with both nursery and primary aged children and ease the transition for Peter Pan youngsters who go on to Reception at Eastwick.

Louise Sutherland – recently awarded the British Empire Medal in the King’s birthday honours list – Manager of Peter Pan Playschool, said: “The Eastwick Schools share our values and we are confident that together we can serve local families even better. The new nursery will be located on a discreet part of the Junior school site with its own entrance from the driveway and age-appropriate indoor and outdoor play areas. We look forward to working with the wider team at Eastwick for the benefit of our families.”

Louise Lee, CEO of THPT, said: “The new partnership with Peter Pan Playschool will see Eastwick supporting families at an early stage in their child’s life. The playschool is long beloved by families across Great Bookham. We are excited that the team are joining the Trust and will be part of our mission to deliver life-changing education.”

The nursery will initially offer the hours 8.40-15.10, with a range of session options, during term time.

In terms of funding, the nursery will accept:

• 15-hour funded places
• 30-hour funded places (where eligible)
• Additional paid hours

The Howard Partnership Trust is a values-driven trust committed to delivering life-changing education.