Castle Primary School Nursery: Puddleducks

Child-chosen play, storytelling and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces shape Puddleducks, Castle Primary School’s pre-school in Keynsham. It caters for children aged 3 and 4 during term time, in a building designed for the provision. Regular visits to the main school bring assemblies, music and movement into the children’s experience. This gives the nursery its own base alongside contact with wider school life.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 3 and 4 October 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Choice comes with structure. Children decide where to play and what to make, then discuss their experiences with adults. Resources remain accessible so children can return to an idea and develop it further. During Discovery Time, practitioners observe play before joining in, adding language and helping children extend an activity. The practical implication is that an interest can become a sustained piece of learning rather than a succession of unrelated tasks.

Alongside this play, pre-school children have four planned teaching inputs each day. Weekly focuses rotate between maths, fine motor development and making marks, with communication and social development woven through them. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the curriculum across seven learning areas: here, learning includes talking, creating, developing physical control and exploring early mathematical ideas.

Stories have several forms. Puddleducks uses story sacks, spoken storytelling and story maps, while the Helicopter Story approach gives children another way to develop narratives. Read Write Inc. phonics begins from Term 5 for children who are ready. Writing preparation concentrates on pencil grip, finger strength and control of both small and larger movements, rather than expecting every child to start formal reading and writing together.

Outdoor access continues across the day, supported by weather-suitable clothing. Cooking, yoga and nurture groups add further experiences, and walks take children around the school grounds. In October 2023, early years staff supported language through stories and rhymes, with learning spaces planned to develop vocabulary. Talk is part of the learning environment, rather than confined to a single activity.

Settling starts before attendance. A family visit, a visit to the child’s home and a group stay-and-play session give staff and children several opportunities to become acquainted. Families can discuss a shorter initial day during the home visit if their child is not ready for a full day. A key person takes responsibility for settling, monitoring development and discussing any support needs with parents.

Seesaw shares children’s learning, an emailed newsletter arrives weekly, and three parent meetings each year cover progress and next steps. For children with SEND, the pre-school SENCO works with the school SENCO, holds regular family meetings and can help with referrals, professional support and additional funding. This gives families a nursery contact with access to wider school support.

Lunch can come from home or be ordered as a school meal through Miquill. Daily refreshments include milk and snacks such as fresh fruit.

Attending Puddleducks does not guarantee a Reception place at Castle Primary School. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority process and meet its deadline. Bath and North East Somerset manages entry to Reception on behalf of The Partnership Trust.

Familiarity with the school is a separate benefit of nursery life. Puddleducks children visit the main school for activities, but those visits do not secure admission. Once a Reception place has been allocated and accepted, families are invited to induction activities; summer events and shorter September sessions help children become accustomed to the next stage.

Puddleducks operates during school terms and accepts childcare vouchers, alongside 15-hour funding and 30-hour funding for families with an eligible code. Attendance beyond the applicable funded hours is charged. An additional daily contribution supports resources, snacks and milk; contact the school for current charges.

Uniform is optional. A red sweatshirt or cardigan is commonly worn, and Velcro footwear is preferred. Waterproof trousers, a jacket and wellington boots support outdoor play. Nursery enquiries go to puddleducks@castleprimary.uk or 0117 986 4489, and families can arrange a visit with their child.