John Bunyan Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Forest questions, minibeasts and books give Saplings, John Bunyan’s nursery class, a recognisable character. Weekly forest learning connects with classroom exploration: butterflies, worms and bees have prompted children to investigate further and talk about their discoveries through books. Outdoor experiences become starting points for conversation.

The nursery takes children aged three to four within John Bunyan Primary School and Nursery on Lancaster Way in Braintree. It is the school’s own provision, with nursery applications handled directly by the school.

Language runs through the nursery’s activities. Stories sit alongside songs, rhymes and books, with an emphasis on vocabulary and awareness of sounds. The school aims to prepare children for reading through these experiences. For parents, that means early reading preparation includes listening, talking and joining in, rather than simply recognising written words.

Saplings’ forest sessions offer a concrete example of learning crossing between outdoors and indoors. Children’s questions about minibeasts have carried into classroom work and book discussions. The forest supplies the subject; conversation and books extend the exploration.

A rainbow slime activity shows another side of the nursery day. Children paired up to mix coloured slime, observed what happened when ingredients were added, then stretched their mixtures across a table. They described texture and temperature. This combines cooperation, hands-on investigation and the language needed to explain an experience.

In February 2024, Ofsted identified benefits from the school’s new phonics approach for children beginning to read in early years. A school-wide improvement action also called for further support for the small number of staff whose sound modelling and blending needed strengthening. The positive early-years finding sits alongside that teaching concern.

Additional needs are addressed through the school’s SEND arrangements. Early-years baseline checks, speech and language screening, and information from parents contribute to identifying needs. Support follows a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review, giving families a way to discuss both the help provided and whether it is working.

Termly Learning Conferences and the One Planning process involve parents in reviewing support. Families can also request discussions with the SEND team, while outside professionals may join meetings where appropriate. These arrangements give concerns several routes into a conversation.

Across the school, adaptations include visual timetables, accessible ramps, adapted toilets and a sensory room for children with sensory difficulties. Their relevance depends on the individual child. The school also acknowledges that some needs may exceed its resources or expertise, and says it will discuss strategies and next steps openly with families.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application: Reception admissions are managed by Essex County Council through its primary school application portal in the year before the child starts school.

For children with SEND moving from pre-school into Foundation, the school’s transition arrangements include visits, transition books and liaison with the previous setting. These support preparation for a change of setting; they do not secure admission.

Nursery enquiries and visit arrangements go through the school office on 01376 321814. Applications are made directly to the school. General enquiries can also be emailed to admin@johnbunyan.co.uk.

The office operates Monday to Friday, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and closes during school holidays and INSET days. These are office contact hours. For a longer or confidential discussion with a class teacher, families can arrange an appointment through the office.