Great Hollands Primary School Nursery Review

Songs, rhymes and the first enjoyment of books give Caterpillars, Great Hollands Primary School’s nursery class, its character. This is the school’s own provision in Bracknell, with children offered places from the term after their third birthday, subject to availability. The nursery aims to develop independence and confidence alongside the social skills children need for starting school.

Caterpillars belongs to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with staff working across that phase. In the inspection report dated 18 November 2025, early years met the Expected standard. That judgement covers the early years phase rather than giving the nursery a separate grade.

Three-hour sessions create a clear rhythm: children attend in the morning or afternoon, while eligible children with a full-day place stay across both sessions. Lunch bridges the two. For families, the distinction matters because a nursery session and a whole day involve different lunch arrangements and collection times.

Early learning includes communication, enjoyment of reading and learning how to get along with others. In November 2025, nursery children learnt rhymes and songs as their interest in books developed. Across early years, children practised sharing, waiting for a turn and dealing with small disagreements while becoming more aware of other children’s feelings. These are practical foundations for participating in a classroom.

The early years curriculum was carefully planned to include children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Language development received deliberate attention, with adults generally demonstrating vocabulary through conversation. There was an important qualification: the quality of that language support varied between learning areas. Checking children’s understanding across the wider curriculum, including early years, was also an improvement priority. Parents should weigh the emphasis on communication alongside those inconsistencies.

Sensitive relationships support the learning. In November 2025, early years staff responded thoughtfully to children’s individual needs, and collaboration with families and outside agencies helped arrange support. This connects classroom care with the people who know a child beyond school.

Milk and a fruit snack are provided free. Children staying all day bring a packed lunch, and families supply consumables such as wipes, sun cream and nappy bags. The half-hour lunch interval carries no additional charge, so staying through lunch does not add a separate lunchtime charge.

Physical access includes step-free routes into the school buildings, a single-storey layout and accessible toilets for children and adults. These are concrete considerations for families managing mobility needs. A Family Support and Safeguarding Advisor can also offer parents and carers advice through the school office.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate primary-school application through the normal admissions process. Bracknell Forest residents apply to Bracknell Forest Borough Council; families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority, which forwards the application.

Working across EYFS gives the nursery team a connection with the next phase of learning. That staffing arrangement is separate from securing a school place: families still need to complete the Reception application process.

Morning sessions run from 8.40am to 11.40am, afternoons from 12.10pm to 3.10pm, and All Day from 8.40am to 3.10pm. The nursery offers five three-hour sessions per week. Provision includes 15 funded hours weekly, with 30 hours dependent on individual eligibility; spaces for children using 30-hour funding are limited.

Classroom access is through the playground gate beside the Reception classroom, or through the gate near the Oaks & Hollies Children’s Centre during the school day. Tours and open-morning visits can be arranged through the office. For nursery enquiries, call 01344 424911 or email ghpsoffice@maidenerleghtrust.org.