Chalfont Valley E-ACT Primary Academy Nursery Review

Child-led table activities, number songs and a library book to take home give Chalfont Valley’s nursery a clear everyday character. This is the academy’s onsite provision in Little Chalfont, serving children aged three to four within its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

There are 26 morning places and 26 afternoon places, with full-time attendance also offered. Children can start in September after their third birthday. The choice between shorter sessions and a full day lets families choose how much of the nursery routine their child joins.

Play alternates with shared activities. Nursery children take part in Foundations for Phonics, then have opportunities to choose their own learning with adults supporting and observing them. Maths and writing table activities are child-led; Snappy Maths brings number practice into singing and rhymes. Afternoon activities include outdoor exploration, rhyme time and a teacher-led focus on topics, music or personal and social learning. Story time closes the day.

The EYFS covers seven learning areas. In parent terms, that means developing conversation, movement and relationships alongside early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Little Wandle Foundations starts in nursery. Across EYFS, Talk for Writing supports storytelling, while the NCETM approach uses practical experiences to explore mathematical ideas. These give play a learning purpose while leaving room for children’s interests.

The EYFS classroom has an outdoor area for movement and exploration. Children bring wellies for messy activities and outdoor learning, and weather-appropriate coats support time outside. Role play, art and music sit alongside opportunities to make independent choices. Nursery children select a library book to enjoy with an adult at home; books change on Wednesdays, connecting the nursery’s story work with family reading.

In January 2025, early-years children used dice for addition and sorted coloured bears on a grid. They also enjoyed familiar stories and retold them, combining practical number work with spoken storytelling.

Settling begins with stay-and-play sessions for new EYFS children and a summer-term open day for parents. Children with identified SEND can have an individual transition programme. The EYFS team includes teachers, support staff and an EYFS key worker, with the EYFS lead also holding the SENDCo role.

Tapestry shares children’s learning through observations, photographs and videos, and parents can contribute from home. Class Dojo carries reminders and messages. Staff are available for brief conversations at collection and drop-off, with longer discussions arranged separately.

Toilet training need not be complete before starting. Children in nappies are welcome, changes take place as needed, and staff work with families as toilet training develops. Parents supply nappies, wipes and spare clothing. Staff trained in paediatric first aid are always present.

Fruit and milk are provided for nursery children. Those staying for lunch can bring a nut-free packed meal or have catering from Aspens Services, with hot dishes, pasta and jacket potatoes among the usual choices. Meals must be ordered through Parent Pay a week ahead. For additional learning needs, the academy uses Pupil Passports and SEND Support Plans so staff can share individual strategies and targets.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or give priority for September 2027 entry. Families must make a separate application using their home local authority’s Common Application Form by 15 January 2027, including when applying across council boundaries.

Additional transition support for children with SEND is arranged individually, with liaison between settings or teachers. That support concerns the child’s adjustment; it does not change the separate admissions process.

Morning session times are 8:50am to 11:50am, afternoons 12:15pm to 3:15pm, and full days 8:50am to 3:15pm. However, nursery handover instructions for 2026 give morning drop-off at 8:40am and collection at 11:45am. Confirm session and handover times with the academy before arranging childcare or travel. Eligible families can use 30 hours funding for full-time places; paid attendance excludes lunch costs. Ask the academy for current charges.

For nursery enquiries, call 01494 764521 or email officechalfontvalley@e-act.org.uk. Applications go directly to the academy. Visits can be arranged by contacting the school.

Purple jumpers or cardigans, white shirts or polo shirts and black bottoms form the uniform; EYFS children may wear black leggings or tracksuit bottoms. Bring a named water bottle, spare uniform and the Chalfont Valley book bag. Morning drop-off uses the EYFS classroom via its outdoor area; afternoon children enter through the office. Morning collection is from the office, while full-day collection is from the EYFS classroom.