Carlton CofE Primary School Nursery Review

A forest area for exploring and a dark cosy corner for resting give Carlton’s nursery day two distinct gears. Children can join from age two, learning in the school’s EYFS unit alongside Reception children as part of Squirrels Class. This is a shared early years setting, with nursery provision inside Carlton CofE Primary School.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 12 and 13 November 2024. That judgement covers the early years provision within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Choice shapes the classroom. Continuous provision means children can select from activities and resources, pursue an interest and return to their exploration with adult support. The EYFS Framework and Birth to 5 Matters guide learning: the emphasis is on developing early skills through the experiences children take part in.

Space supports different kinds of activity. In the busy room, three zones hold resources for exploration and play. The quiet room accommodates guided group activities, whole-class teaching and reading. Children can also use the outdoor area throughout their session, so learning can move between indoors and outside. The outdoor space has separate resource zones and a forest area; Squirrels Class also has Forest School on Thursday mornings.

Helicopter Stories gives children’s ideas a concrete form. Starting in nursery, an adult records a child’s invented story, then the class acts the stories on a stage marked with tape. It connects speaking, imagination and performance. Music brings another route into expression: alongside Charanga sessions, early years children invent songs using familiar melodies and investigate rhythms through the sounds of everyday objects.

Language teaching was a nursery strength in November 2024, helping children prepare for learning to read. There was also an important curriculum concern: some subjects did not sequence learning consistently from early years onwards, leaving gaps in the foundations for later learning. Staff knowledge and checks on understanding in some foundation subjects also needed attention. These concerns matter alongside the positive early years judgement.

Rest has a defined place. The cosy corner contains cushions, blankets and illuminated toys in a quiet, darkened space, allowing a child who needs a break to step away from busier activity. The Squirrels team includes a nursery lead, teaching staff and additional classroom support.

Class Dojo shares children’s experiences and changes with parents, who can message staff or speak with the teacher at collection or drop-off. For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school’s approach includes reviewing support with parents and adapting teaching to individual needs. Speech concerns can be raised with the class teacher, with home and school strategies discussed together and specialist advice considered where appropriate.

Sharing Squirrels Class with Reception children brings familiarity with the early years classroom. It does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate: families must apply again through the normal Reception process and meet its deadline. Carlton directs school applications through Bedford Borough’s school admissions service. Treat classroom continuity and the application for a place as separate decisions.

The nursery operates during term time, from 8:45am until 3:30pm. Families can choose sessions. Breakfast Club and After School Club require advance booking and are available to nursery children aged three who are toilet trained. That condition matters when planning a longer day.

For Thursday morning Forest School, Squirrels children need wellies and a warm waterproof coat kept at school. Visits can be arranged through the office on 01234 720281; enquiries can also go to admin@carltonvcprimary.co.uk.