Kennel Lane School Nursery

Communication and independence give this nursery its context: Kennel Lane School serves children with severe or profound learning difficulties, and its educational aims extend beyond academic learning. The school includes nursery provision and admits learners from age three. For families, the central consideration is how that specialist setting fits their child’s needs.

Based on Kennel Lane in Bracknell, the nursery belongs to a school whose stated ambition is to help learners understand their surroundings and take an active part in society. Achievement and growing independence are its guiding aims.

Early learning begins within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside the school’s provision for Key Stage 1. This is the starting point of its curriculum structure. Later curriculum pathways are flexible, with learning experiences selected according to developmental stage rather than treated as a fixed sequence for everyone.

TALENTS is the school’s named curriculum. It brings together communication, academic learning, practical life skills, nurture, therapies, social learning and employability. The school aims to organise each learner’s education around their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), making individual needs the reference point for learning and how progress is measured.

One concrete early-years activity is World of Work Days. These connect careers learning with role play, giving young children a way to explore work through play. This sits within a curriculum that gives practical development a place alongside academic subjects.

Support sits within a wider school team that includes therapists, class teams and a Support and Intervention Team. The school also works with visiting professionals for observations and assessments. Its SENCO has a role in matters involving educational psychology, continuing healthcare assessments and CAMHS, linking education with specialist services.

Caterlink Ltd provides school meals, which the school can supply to all learners. Meal choices are made in class each morning, and the Home/School Liaison Book carries the menu. Meals are paid for ahead of time through SCOPAY; families should refer to the school for current charges.

For conversations about school life, parents can approach class teams, key stage managers or senior leaders. That provides several routes for discussing a child’s education and the partnership between home and school.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the applicable admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat that application as a separate decision from joining the nursery.

Admissions to Kennel Lane School are managed through The Corvus Learning Trust. The school is currently full, with high demand for places, so nursery attendance should never be treated as an assurance of the next placement.

The school’s main uniform combines a light blue collared polo with black bottoms and a black jumper, sweatshirt or cardigan. Comfortable black shoes are required. A termly Fabric Sustainability event includes free secondhand uniform, offering families a practical way to obtain clothing.

Contact the school office on 01344 483872 or office@kennellaneschool.com for enquiries. On-site parking is very limited, and drop-off zones must remain clear for buses and taxis. This matters when planning journeys to the school.