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Nursery at New Siblands School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, sensory experiences and learning to communicate shape the youngest children’s education at New Siblands. This is specialist provision within a school for children with severe learning difficulties or profound and multiple learning disabilities. An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is required, and children may also have autism or physical or sensory disabilities alongside those learning needs.
Red Class brings together the school’s youngest learners, with activities organised around individual learning goals and an emphasis on helping children settle. That makes the starting point each child’s development and support needs. Ofsted rated early years provision Outstanding following the inspection on 27 and 28 February 2024; this was an early years judgement within the school’s inspection.
For the youngest learners, play and sensory exploration connect different areas of learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) areas are incorporated into themed activities, with learning linked to children’s EHCP outcomes. In parent terms, communication, movement, exploration and creativity work together rather than being confined to separate lessons.
Red Class’s summer term programme for 2025/2026 centred on At the Park. Planned activities included exploring the sounds, smells and sights associated with parks, alongside a sensory adaptation of Let's Go for a Walk. Counting work was planned to build understanding of how many objects a group contains, with picnic food preparation adding practical activity to the theme. Instrument exploration through Charanga was also planned. These details show how a shared topic can carry several different learning goals.
Outdoor learning was scheduled on alternate Tuesdays in that programme, with Friday PE and Wednesday swimming. Additional hydrotherapy and rebound therapy were scheduled for some children on Tuesdays. These were arrangements for that class and term, rather than a fixed nursery booking pattern.
Communication extends across the day. Makaton, reference objects, symbols and communication boards give children different ways to express themselves. Individual speech and language programmes are generally carried out by trained classroom staff, with assessment and monitoring supported by a Trust speech and language therapist. During February 2024, early years children engaged eagerly with stories and learned through a structured phonics approach.
Settling is a central focus in Red Class, where play-based activities are tailored to personal goals. The class team includes teachers, learning support staff and care assistants, combining educational and personal support within the youngest learners’ provision.
Parents can follow learning through Evidence for Learning, sharing photographs, videos and notes from home as well as receiving updates. Parent meetings take place twice a year, alongside an annual EHCP review. Together, these provide opportunities to discuss both everyday progress and longer-term support.
Care arrangements include a parent-agreed intimate care plan when children need help with toileting. Families provide medical care plans in advance, and medication requires signed consent. Meals across the school are prepared daily in its kitchen by Coombs Catering. Packed food and snacks must exclude nuts, and children under five receive milk free each day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Placement at New Siblands follows the local authority’s EHCP consultation process; South Gloucestershire placements go through its 0-25 panel. Families should work with their local authority on the next placement stage rather than assume that nursery attendance secures it.
Transition support across the Trust includes sharing relevant educational information, meeting staff at the receiving setting and accompanying pupils to transition sessions. This practical preparation is separate from the placement decision.
The school operates in term time, with pupil arrival at 08:55 and departure at 15:05. Those are school-day timings. Enquiries can be made through enquiries@newsiblands.org.uk or 01454 553002.
Group tours are offered each term for parents and carers, with pupils excluded from these visits; booking is by email. Bring spare clothing and the personal equipment your child needs, such as hearing aids or splints. The school uses swipe-card access to control entry and prevent children leaving unaccompanied.
Play and sensory activities connect EYFS learning areas with individual EHCP outcomes. Red Class focuses on settling children and working towards their personal goals.
Children can use Makaton, symbols, reference objects and communication boards. Trained classroom staff generally deliver individual speech and language programmes, supported by a Trust therapist.
Evidence for Learning allows photographs, videos and notes to be shared between school and home. Families also have twice-yearly parent meetings and an annual EHCP review.
No. Placement follows the local authority’s EHCP consultation process. South Gloucestershire placements are considered through its 0-25 panel.
Yes. Group tours for parents and carers run each term and can be booked through enquiries@newsiblands.org.uk. Pupils do not attend these tours.
