St Michael's Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

Learning to tackle activities independently gives St Michael’s early years its clearest character. Teachers demonstrate tasks through videos and actions, helping children understand what to do and then try for themselves. The nursery provision belongs to St Michael's Church of England Primary School on Somerville Road in Bournemouth.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 15 and 16 October 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Demonstration is a concrete feature of early learning here. In October 2024, teachers used carefully designed videos alongside physical actions to explain learning activities. Children could see how a task worked before attempting it independently. For a parent, the useful distinction is the combination of adult guidance and opportunities for children to manage an activity themselves.

Spoken language needs closer attention. At that time, some adult conversations missed opportunities to build children’s vocabulary or extend their speech. More consistent support for talking was an improvement priority. This matters alongside independence: completing a task and explaining ideas both deserve attention.

For families managing special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school has two special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs). One works full time and the other Monday to Wednesday. Both can be contacted through the school office. This gives parents a clear route for discussing learning concerns with the team responsible for organising additional support.

The school’s support spaces include The Lighthouse nurture room, The Bubble room for sensory support and the Rainbow room for help with managing emotions. These are school facilities, rather than a description of the nursery classroom. Adapted toilets, a shower-equipped wet room, ramps and lifts also form part of the school’s physical provision.

For children with medical needs, the school uses individual health care and intimate care plans. These arrangements make the child’s particular care requirements part of the planning, alongside access to learning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s normal admissions process and meet the January closing date for the relevant intake. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for school as separate decisions.

Transition support has a different purpose from admissions. Reception teachers meet nursery or pre-school staff to discuss additional support a child may need. Where appropriate, SENCOs also meet, and families of children with SEND may join further transition discussions. Other professionals can contribute through a Team Around the Family meeting, with strategies shared and provision planned before the child starts. These arrangements help prepare for a change of setting; they do not secure admission.

The school administers pre-school applications. Forms can be collected from the office or downloaded, and families return them by the deadline on the form. Parents are notified once the applications have been considered.

For enquiries, the school office can be reached on 01202 290497. The nursery application route goes directly through the school, while the later Reception application goes through the council. Keeping those two routes distinct is the practical point to remember.