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Nursery at Chestnut Lane School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A wooden cabin, balance bikes and a mud kitchen give Little Chestnuts plenty of scope for learning through movement and exploration. Chestnut Lane School’s preschool takes children aged 3–4 in the academic year of their fourth birthday, with a maximum of 26 attending a session. It forms part of the school’s Early Years provision.
At the inspection on 7 and 8 January 2025, Ofsted graded early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery. Nursery children settled into routines quickly, giving them a positive start to school life.
Play shapes the learning, with adults leading activities alongside children’s own choices. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects language, physical development and social skills with early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. Here, that means practical experiences: construction, sensory activities, painting, role play and helicopter storytelling. Children’s interests also influence planning through observations and weekly class conversations, so their ideas help determine what happens next.
Outdoor learning has named routines and substantial space. Staff trained in Muddy Puddles take children to the eco zone, field and wooden cabin each week. Wonderful Woodland nature mornings add opportunities to explore outdoors. The Early Years garden includes shaded sensory spaces, a sandpit and planting areas alongside the mud kitchen. These give children different materials and settings in which to investigate and play.
Movement extends beyond the garden. Balance bikes develop physical skills, while weekly PE includes catching, throwing, climbing and balancing. Fun Food mornings introduce food preparation and hygiene. Seasonal and religious celebrations include Holi, Diwali and Tanabata, bringing different traditions into the topics children explore.
Language teaching has a clear purpose. In January 2025, adults introduced vocabulary through their own speech and encouraged children who were ready to respond using complete sentences. This helped children express ideas more accurately. Nursery learning also included recognising letters and their sounds, establishing early connections between spoken and written language.
A qualified teacher oversees Little Chestnuts, supported by at least one learning support assistant holding a relevant level-three qualification. Staffing provides at least one adult for every 13 children. Responsibility rests with the class teacher rather than individual key workers, giving parents a clear contact for discussing their child’s progress.
Before starting, children offered a place are invited to a session. In January 2025, nursery children adapted quickly to school routines. Once attending, families receive teacher updates, reports each term and consultations during the year; individual learning journeys are also shared online. These provide several ways to follow development and discuss concerns.
Children attending afternoons or full days can bring lunch from home or have a hot meal purchased from the caterers. For additional needs, the school’s support arrangements include regular parent communication, reviews and work with outside agencies. Parents can contact the SENCo at senco@chestnutlane.bucks.sch.uk to arrange a discussion. The multilingual learners policy also provides for visual communication aids and translation of key documents when required, helping families and children understand school routines.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority in allocation: the admissions policy explicitly says it has no bearing on the local authority’s decision. Families must make a separate Reception application to the local authority through Buckinghamshire Council’s admissions route. Treat that application as a separate task from booking preschool sessions.
The practical connection is familiarity. Little Chestnuts children can participate in school shows, trips and workshops, and mix with children who may become classmates if they receive a Reception place at Chestnut Lane. Those shared experiences introduce school life; they do not change admission rights.
Little Chestnuts operates on weekdays during term time. Since September 2026, mornings run from 8.45am to 11.45am, afternoons from 11.45am to 2.45pm, and full days from 8.45am to 2.45pm. A full day uses two sessions; the school asks children to attend at least four sessions weekly.
Eligible families may receive up to 30 funded hours each week. Children can remain until 3pm with an extension booked in advance for the term; the period after 2.45pm falls outside both Universal and Extended funding. Check current charges with the school before booking that extension or hot meals. For outdoor sessions, provide wellies, waterproof trousers and clothing suited to the weather.
Book through the Little Chestnuts application form. Preschool-only tours take around 20 minutes and are arranged through the office at office@chestnutlane.bucks.sch.uk. Parking. The school acknowledges ongoing concerns at collection and drop-off. Allow time for the journey and keep surrounding access clear.
Children aged 3–4 can attend in the academic year in which they turn four.
Yes. Morning, afternoon and full-day bookings are offered. The school asks for four or more sessions per week, with a full day counting as two.
No. Attendance has no bearing on allocation, and parents must submit a separate Reception application to the local authority.
The class teacher takes responsibility rather than separate key workers. Updates, termly reports, consultations and online learning journeys keep families informed.
Children staying all day or attending an afternoon can bring a packed lunch or have a hot meal purchased from the caterers.
