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Nursery at Caldecote Church of England Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 classroom and garden shared with older early-years children give Caldecote’s nursery its character. Nursery belongs to Concorde Class, which brings Nursery and Reception together within Caldecote Church of England Academy. Children can start in the term following their third birthday, with morning sessions providing their introduction to school life.
The early years provision received a Good judgement at Ofsted’s inspection on 15 and 16 May 2024. This is the school’s early-years judgement, rather than a separate nursery rating. The shared class gives the provision a clear place within the school while retaining teaching support for nursery children during the morning.
Play and practical exploration shape the learning. Adults join children’s activities, extend conversations and help them develop confidence in working with others. Teaching responds to children’s interests and differing rates of development, so the emphasis is on building learning through interaction rather than expecting everyone to move at the same pace.
The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, provides the framework. Its seven learning areas are represented indoors and outdoors: children build their language, relationships and practical skills through the spaces and activities around them. A classroom with learning resources sits alongside a garden with equipment and room for exploration. Outdoor learning is part of the class’s approach.
Concorde Class activities include making marks in shaving foam, creating with playdough and playing in the mud kitchen. Sorting objects and comparing quantities bring early mathematical ideas into practical work. These are shared early-years examples, rather than a separate nursery timetable.
Stories and rhymes give nursery children their first foundations for reading. In May 2024, children participated eagerly in both. The early-years findings also described children who understood routines, listened to instructions and showed friendship towards one another. Curiosity and carefully managed risk-taking formed part of their learning, giving children opportunities to try things while developing independence.
Settling depends on relationships with families as well as children. In May 2024, staff’s knowledge of both helped nursery children settle promptly, and planned early-years transition arrangements supported this start. Nursery mornings have teaching-assistant support alongside the class teaching team.
Communication includes parents’ evenings and progress reports during the year. Families can connect home experiences with class learning through the yellow news book, for example by sharing something relevant to the current topic. This gives parents a practical way to contribute to conversations and learning.
For additional needs, the school’s SENDCo can be reached through the office. Parents and children participate in developing and reviewing support plans; outside advice can involve the Speech and Language service or Occupational Therapy Service. Support is therefore planned with families, with specialist input where appropriate.
The school is nut free, and children are encouraged to drink water throughout the day. Its school catering is provided by Aspens, with a special-diet registration process for allergies, intolerances and religious or ethical requirements. These are school meal arrangements, rather than a promise that a morning nursery session includes lunch.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application to their home local authority; there is no automatic transfer. Central Bedfordshire Council provides an online application route and a paper alternative. The deadline of 15 January 2026 belonged to a past application cycle.
Educational preparation is a separate matter. Sharing Concorde Class makes the early-years setting familiar, and the May 2024 findings described children as prepared for the move to Reception. Familiarity with the class does not replace the application process.
Morning nursery sessions start at 8.50am. Named waterproof trousers, a waterproof jacket and wellies should stay at school for outdoor play in wet weather, helping children continue using the outdoor space.
For enquiries, contact the administration team on 01767 316206 or email caldecote@caldecoteceacademy.co.uk. School visits can be arranged by appointment at a mutually convenient time, giving prospective families a route to see the setting before deciding.
Children can join from the term after their third birthday.
Yes. Concorde Class includes both Nursery and Reception children, with nursery support during morning sessions.
Concorde Class has a garden with space and equipment for outdoor learning. Named waterproof clothing and wellies should remain at school.
No. There is no automatic transfer, and parents must apply separately through their home local authority.
Call 01767 316206 or email caldecote@caldecoteceacademy.co.uk. Visits are arranged by appointment.
