The Albert Pye Community Primary School Nursery

Owl class gives Albert Pye’s youngest children a named place within the school’s early years team. This Beccles nursery caters for three and four year olds, with entry from the term following a child’s third birthday, subject to space. Capacity is up to 48 children, split between 24 morning places and 24 afternoon places.

The provision follows a session model, with the option to combine mornings and afternoons and stay for lunch. That makes the lunch booking an important part of planning a longer day.

Morning children start at 8.45am and finish at 11.45am; the afternoon runs from 12.30pm until 3.30pm. Nursery Lunch Club bridges the gap. Families can therefore choose shorter sessions or combine the two, depending on availability.

Learning includes practical ways to explore ideas. Nursery children use objects and pictures to explain their mathematical thinking, giving them something tangible to work with before ideas become abstract. Science in the early years takes place through discovery and play. In design and technology, children experiment with materials and media, with creativity and imagination part of the learning.

The federation aims to develop children physically, emotionally and socially alongside their academic learning. In June 2024, Ofsted found early years children keen to learn and happy. Curriculum planning also placed emphasis on building knowledge from Nursery onwards, making these first experiences part of a longer learning sequence.

Regular attendance is part of the settling approach. Children must attend at least two sessions on two separate days each week; the nursery says this helps them settle and build relationships with their key person and other children. For families, that means choosing a pattern they can sustain rather than occasional attendance.

Owl class has nursery teachers within the EYFS team. The wider school also has pastoral and family support roles and a SEND team. Parents with concerns can start with their child’s teacher, then arrange a SEND team appointment through the office if concerns remain. This gives families a clear route for discussing additional needs.

Lunch Club runs between the sessions and has room for 16 children. It is outside the free 15-hour entitlement, and charges may apply. Its smaller capacity makes securing lunch care a separate practical consideration when combining sessions.

A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Albert Pye’s Reception year. Parents must make a separate application through Suffolk County Council’s normal Reception process, meeting the applicable deadline. An online application route is available through the council; places are allocated using the school’s admission arrangements. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.

Nursery operates during term time for 38 weeks annually. The funded offer is 15 hours for three and four year olds, or up to 30 hours for eligible working families, subject to spaces. The 15-hour pattern can comprise five mornings, five afternoons or five sessions combining both. Eligible working families can access up to five of each.

Booking stability. Agreed hours remain fixed for the term once funding forms have been submitted. Changes for the following term depend on space, so match the initial booking to your regular commitments. Additional morning or afternoon sessions can be purchased when spaces remain; contact the school for current charges.

Visits can be arranged through the school office. For enquiries, call 01502 713420 or email admin@albertpyeandravensmere.org.