Wilden CofE VA Primary School Nursery Review

With space for up to ten children per session, Chipmunks, Wilden’s preschool, has a small-scale character. Based in the school’s classrooms, it shares meals, playtimes and events with the wider school, making school life part of the nursery experience from the start. The advertised preschool age range is 2.5-4 years.

This is part of a combined early years unit, alongside Reception, within a Church of England primary school. The school grounds have a border of trees. In July 2024, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding: that judgement covers the early years unit rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Welly Wednesday brings exploration of the local surroundings into the early years timetable. Indoors, Planning in the Moment takes children’s interests as the starting point: seasonal themes begin each term, then children help shape what happens next. For parents, the practical implication is learning that responds to a child’s curiosity, rather than only following a fixed topic sequence.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early reading, number work, creative expression and discovering how the world works. Activities are adapted to children’s needs and interests. In July 2024, early years teaching built skilfully on those interests and supported substantial progress across learning areas.

The shared early years timetable mixes focused teaching with Exploring Time. Fine motor activities feature at registration, followed by phonics; snack and reading lead into maths or English and further exploration. Lunch is followed by mindfulness, while later activities include music and creative work. A story finishes the day. This is the unit’s typical timetable, giving families a picture of its rhythm rather than a separate preschool session plan.

Language starts early here. Nursery children had plentiful opportunities to develop communication in July 2024, and familiar stories became material for early years play. That connects listening and vocabulary with children’s own imaginative activity.

Tapestry connects home and classroom: families and teachers exchange learning experiences through the online platform. Parents can contribute what their child has been doing at home, helping staff connect interests across both settings.

Snack, lunch and a mindfulness activity create pauses within the learning day. Independence also receives attention: in July 2024, early years children managed personal needs confidently, with strong teaching supporting their emotional and social development.

For additional needs, the school’s SEND coordinator helps identify support and advises families. Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy services are among the agencies the school can involve. Parents participate in developing and reviewing individual support plans, so support is discussed with families rather than simply handed to them.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Shared activities are a transition benefit, not an admissions entitlement.

Meals, playtimes and school events provide familiarity with the wider school. Reception induction includes a classroom visit near the starting date, and teachers offer a home visit to discuss the child’s interests with parents. These are opportunities to prepare for the change separately from securing a place.

Chipmunks operates throughout the school day, five days each week during term time. This suits families seeking preschool within a school-term routine.

For enquiries, contact the school office at office@wildenschool.org.uk or telephone 01234 771313. Tours can be arranged through the office, giving parents an opportunity to see the setting and discuss the provision.