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Nursery at Cherry Trees Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 vegetable patch, a sofa for sharing stories and space for trikes give Cherry Trees a nursery day built around doing things. Children grow food, explore books and practise moving independently, with learning woven into these everyday experiences.
Cherry Trees Nursery School serves children aged 2 to 5 on Hawkins Road, Bedford. It belongs to Bedford Nursery Schools Federation alongside Peter Pan Nursery School. Qualified teachers and Early Years Educators work at both schools, supported by shared leadership and a Family Support Worker.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early learning, development and care. Here, that means building communication, confidence and physical skills alongside early reading, number work, creativity and understanding the world. A seasonal and cultural calendar connects activities with children’s family lives and interests.
Name cards and a signing-in sheet give children reasons to recognise letters and try writing their names. Group activities introduce recognising small quantities at sight, while cooking and woodwork bring shape and measurement into practical tasks. Learning has a purpose children can understand.
Books have their own reading area, complete with a sofa. Children hear stories daily, can choose books independently and take a library book home each week. A volunteer School Reader visits twice weekly, and the Family Book Exchange lets parents swap reading material in the entrance area. Stories can continue at home.
Outside, the large garden supports bird-watching, bug exploration and noticing seasonal changes. Children grow vegetables and salad crops in a small patch. Trikes and scooters develop movement skills; indoors, the developmental movement area gives another place to practise physical control. Playdough, clay, threading and sewing build the hand skills needed for drawing and writing.
In November 2024, Ofsted found that children sustained their attention, cooperated with one another and received effective support for additional needs. The inspection also found safeguarding effective. These findings give substance to the emphasis on independence and participation.
Settling starts before the first session, with an offered nursery visit, a home visit and a short parent meeting. Parents stay for at least the first session and continue for as long as their child needs. Each family has a key person who helps the child become familiar with nursery and adapts care and learning to their strengths and needs.
A Learning Journey records observations and progress, with parents able to contribute and take it home. Conversations at session boundaries sit alongside planned consultations. At the snack table, children practise vocabulary linked to preparing food, making eating another opportunity for conversation.
For children with SEND, support plans are developed with parents and reviewed each half term. Lift-off to Language supports communication, while Attention Autism activities work on focus. Quiet spaces include a sensory room. Changes such as ramps, adjusted tables and wider gaps between furniture support physical access, so participation can be adapted to the child.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception process by the applicable deadline. Cherry Trees places responsibility for registering for statutory education with parents; the local authority notifies families when applications are needed.
Transition work is a separate matter. Staff meet primary schools and invite new teachers and SENDCOs to get to know children at nursery. Children with SEND can have extra visits to their next school, accompanied by nursery support staff where appropriate. Records are shared with parental permission, helping the receiving school understand the child’s needs.
Opening hours are 8am to 5pm, during term time only. Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, and the longer nursery day from 9am to 3.30pm. Additional care covers the earlier and later parts of the day, subject to availability.
Funding includes 15 hours from the term after a child’s third birthday, eligible two-year-old provision and up to 30 hours for eligible working parents. Working-parent funding applications must be approved before places are allocated. Additional hours are charged; contact the school for current charges.
Send enquiries and completed registration forms to admissions@bedfordnurseryschools.com, specifying the nursery and requested sessions. Tours can be booked through the office on 01234 354788.
The nursery school serves children aged 2 to 5. Its admissions policy allows children to start from the day after their second birthday.
Cherry Trees operates during term time only, with opening hours of 8am to 5pm.
Families are offered a nursery visit, a home visit and a parent meeting before starting. Parents stay for at least the first session and longer according to their child’s needs, with support from a key person.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal process. Parents are responsible for registering their child for statutory education, and the local authority notifies them when applications are needed.
Yes. Tours are available by appointment through the school office on 01234 354788.
