Sparrows Pre-School at Caston Church of England Primary Academy

A shared early years unit gives Sparrows its defining character: pre-school children learn alongside Finches, the Reception class, rather than occupying a separate nursery department. Sparrows opened in 2024 and welcomes children from their third birthday. Families can join regardless of catchment or an existing school connection.

Teachers lead the provision with support from qualified teaching assistants. For parents choosing a school-based start, that shared unit is the practical attraction: the nursery already occupies part of the school their child might later attend. Reception admission remains a separate decision.

Two three-hour sessions shape the day. The morning runs from 8.50am to 11.50am; the afternoon begins at 12.20pm and finishes at 3.20pm. Between them sits a half-hour lunch period, from 11.50am to 12.20pm. These distinct blocks give families a clear timetable for organising care around the nursery day.

Sparrows shares the school's early years unit with Finches. Little Wandle Renewed Letters and Sounds is the phonics programme used in early years. It gives early reading a named teaching approach.

Space was also the subject of building plans in January 2026. Work was scheduled for February half term, with Sparrows and Finches temporarily relocating to Swifts Class during preparations. That was a planned change to the learning environment, rather than confirmation of a completed new room.

Qualified teaching assistants work alongside the teaching team. For children with SEND, the school's joining arrangements allow extra visits according to individual need and possible settling strategies. Meetings with involved professionals can help arrange support before a child starts. These are individual arrangements, so the useful focus is the child's needs rather than a fixed settling timetable.

Parents can raise learning concerns with the class teacher or arrange contact with the SEND coordinator through the office. Where needed, Personal Learning Plans involve families and are reviewed each term. This gives parents a recurring opportunity to discuss support and next steps.

Nourish supplies school lunches, with vegetarian options and packed lunches among the choices. The school is nut free, and families must tell both the office and kitchen about allergies. Milk is free for children under five.

Attending Sparrows does not guarantee admission to Caston's Reception class. Parents must submit a separate application through Norfolk County Council's admissions process. For entry in September 2027, the application deadline is 15 January 2027, by 11.59pm. Catchment, sibling connections and proximity shape oversubscription priorities; nursery attendance is not one of the listed criteria.

For children with SEND moving between classes, support records pass to the next teacher and staff hold a handover meeting. Children can meet their next teaching team and spend time in the new classroom. Familiarity and admission are separate matters.

Early Years funding is accepted, alongside tax-free childcare and childcare vouchers. Lunch occupies a separately charged half-hour slot; contact the school for current charges.

Enquiries and new starters are welcomed throughout the year. The school office can arrange a visit or taster session: telephone 01953 483304 or email office@caston.dneat.org. School lunches are ordered through Parent Mail before midnight on the preceding day, so meal booking needs its own place in the family routine.