Hedgehogs Nursery at St Mary's CofE Primary School

Early reading starts with listening here: children begin hearing the sounds within words as soon as they join Hedgehogs. This is the on-site nursery at St Mary's CofE Primary School in Timsbury, taking children aged 2 to 4. Its place within the school brings an early years curriculum planned by qualified teachers with Early Years education degrees.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 15 and 16 October 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play has a clear learning purpose. Hedgehogs follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with the nursery aiming to develop curiosity, creativity and independence. In parent terms, this means helping children communicate, move confidently and manage relationships and feelings, alongside early reading, number work, creative activities and discovering the world around them.

The approach encourages children to investigate, persevere and work out their own solutions. Counting and exploring shape give mathematics a practical starting point; books and poems introduce written language. Music, role-play, dance and art give children different ways to express an idea. These activities give children practical ways to develop early language, number and creative skills.

Listening to sounds in words begins from entry to nursery. In October 2024, this early work formed part of the school's approach to developing reading. Outdoors, the school has several EYFS play areas, giving early years provision physical space for active learning. The wider grounds also contain outdoor classrooms and woodland trails, though these are school facilities rather than nursery-exclusive spaces.

Individual needs can shape attendance: where appropriate, the time a child spends in nursery can be adjusted. Hedgehogs aims to work closely with parents so children develop at their own pace. Once a place has been agreed in writing, staff contact the family to arrange the first session.

For children needing additional support, the school's SENDCo coordinates provision with staff, parents and other agencies. Children receiving SEN support have an individual education plan or a one-page profile, with progress reviewed each term alongside parents. This gives families a defined process for discussing needs and checking how support is working.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Bath & North East Somerset Council by the normal deadline.

There is, however, a specific priority: children attending this nursery at the time of application come under oversubscription criterion 4, below looked-after and previously looked-after children, qualifying siblings and children of permanent staff. To claim that priority when places are oversubscribed, parents must submit the Supplementary Information Form alongside their school-place application. Priority is conditional. It is not an offer of a place.

Transition support is a separate matter. The school runs a summer programme for children starting in September, allowing children and parents to meet staff, followed by September induction. Children with SEND can have extra visits, helping preparations reflect their individual needs.

Bookings use three-hour sessions, and families indicate their preferred attendance days and start date on an online application. Additional sessions can be requested up to 24 hours beforehand, subject to space. This offers some scope for occasional extra care.

Government-funded childcare requires a valid code checked by the school office; parents must reconfirm their code every three months. If the code is invalid, families must pay for the hours themselves. Fees are paid in advance through ParentPay or the Tax-Free Childcare payment scheme. Contact the school for current charges. Payments are non-refundable, including for absences and holidays taken during term time, so booked attendance needs careful planning.

Enquiries go to office@stmarys.mnsp.org.uk or 01761 470245. Families can arrange a look around during an ordinary working day. Collection finishes at noon or 3pm; late collection incurs a charge, and repeated lateness may put the nursery place at risk.