Charmouth Primary School Nursery

Personal experience is the starting point for learning here: nursery children explore the world through familiar experiences, new vocabulary and opportunities to discover difference. The emphasis is on making sense of their surroundings. That gives parents a concrete picture of the nursery’s curriculum focus, rather than simply a promise of preparation for school.

Children can begin in the term following their third birthday, with an intake each term. The school manages nursery admissions itself. In the 2025/2026 academic year, the nursery class was called Turtles, with teaching shared across the week and a nursery practitioner included in its staffing structure.

Understanding the World is a named part of the nursery’s early years foundation stage (EYFS) learning. Here, its focus combines children’s own experiences with discovering a diverse world and extending the words they can use. In parent language, this means starting with things children recognise and helping them talk about a broader world.

Both history and geography contribute through continuous provision: learning opportunities available within the nursery’s provision, rather than only a separate subject lesson. The shared focus connects these subjects through experience and language. It gives families a useful starting point for conversations about what their child is discovering.

Music adds another element. Singing is taught across the school, and children have opportunities to perform for an audience during the EYFS phase. This brings learning into a group activity with a purpose beyond completing a task.

Curriculum quality. At the inspection on 4 and 5 May 2022, early years provision was judged Requires improvement. Inspectors found weaknesses in how learning was organised and ordered, including in the EYFS. Some children struggled to build knowledge and use it in different contexts. For families, this makes the progression of learning an important discussion: ask how activities connect and how staff check that children understand before introducing the next step.

Additional support sits within the school’s SEND arrangements. Parents’ concerns form part of identifying children’s needs, alongside assessment and consultation. Families therefore have a role in raising difficulties, rather than relying solely on what adults observe in class.

The school’s approach includes adapting teaching and resources, with additional adult help where appropriate. Sensory breaks and movement breaks are among the possible adjustments. Ear defenders and weighted blankets are included among its support resources; their relevance depends on the individual child’s needs.

Reviewing support involves families too. Progress and the effect of support are discussed at least termly with parents or carers and the adults working with the child. Parents can contact the SENCO through the school office, marking an email FAO SENCO.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Dorset Council by the normal application deadline. Nursery admission is handled by the school; Reception admission follows a different route. Treat the two decisions separately when planning your child’s next step.

For children with SEND, the school’s transition arrangements include passing useful information to the next teacher and holding meetings between linked nurseries and the school. These arrangements concern continuity of support, rather than securing admission.

The universal funded entitlement covers 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds from the term after their third birthday. Eligible working families may qualify for 30 hours; eligibility depends on circumstances including work, income and immigration status. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery applications can begin with a visit to the school office. School tours can also be arranged through the office on 01297 560591.

Coral Wraparound Care accepts nursery children for its after-school club. Activities include games, cooking and crafts, with access to open outdoor spaces on the school site and refreshments provided. Book by emailing CMACoral@firstfederation.org.uk; for bookings within 24 hours, call the office to confirm a space.