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Nursery at St Barnabas Church of England Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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, conversation and a garden give Little Stars its character. This nursery belongs to St Barnabas Church of England Primary School in Warmley and accepts children from age two, with provision for two-, three- and four-year-olds. A qualified teacher leads the nursery team. It is an introduction to school life built around young children's interests and practical learning.
In April 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Clear routines helped children feel secure, while learning was adjusted to suit individuals and groups.
Learning through play shapes the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. In parent language, children build skills through exploring, talking and trying things, with adults guiding their play and planning what comes next. Staff observe children to identify their progress and next steps, and follow their interests where possible. Activities remain available for children to return to, giving them time to practise rather than moving straight on.
Outdoor learning includes free-flow play in the garden. The nursery's 2025/26 curriculum plans included planting, minibeast hunts and ice experiments: concrete ways to explore growth, living things and changes in materials. These are planned experiences, rather than a promise that every child completes each one. Indoors, early reading begins with familiar logos, illustrations and the first sounds in children's names. Read Write Inc. introduces sound-card pictures, followed in the summer term by short sound lessons and Fred games.
The April 2026 early years findings give substance to that approach. Adults developed children's language by introducing vocabulary during positive exchanges. Jumping and balancing supported nursery children's movement skills. Staff also adjusted activities when children needed more help with emotional and social development, and children made progress in that area. Learning responds to the children taking part.
Settling follows each child's pace, recognising that nursery may be their first separation from family. That individual approach matters more than a fixed expectation that everyone should settle identically. For concerns about development or support, the class teacher is the first contact; appointments with the inclusion team can be arranged through the school office.
Lunch combines care with growing independence. Children can bring a labelled lunch box or have a charged hot meal prepared by the school kitchen. An adult joins them at the table to encourage manners and independence, and a story follows the meal. There is time to eat calmly.
In April 2026, younger children and children needing personal-care help received it. Early years children with autism or who were not yet speaking received intensive help from staff with specialist training. The school building has wide doorways and gently sloping access points, practical features for children and carers with mobility needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the 2027/28 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority's coordinated admissions process, meeting that year's closing date. For local families, the route is South Gloucestershire Council. Choosing nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.
Transition support is a different matter. For September 2026 starters, smaller teaching groups, stay-and-play sessions and home visits gave children time to become familiar with staff, classmates and their classroom. These arrangements supported settling after admission; they did not confer an admissions advantage.
Little Stars operates during term time, with a minimum attendance of 10 hours each week. Its 2025/26 session pattern was 8:30–11:30 for mornings, 8:30–12:30 with lunch, 12:30–15:30 for afternoons, or 8:30–15:30 for the full day.
Eligible two-, three- and four-year-olds can use 15 or 30 funded hours, with an EY4P form recording their entitlement. Additional hours attract charges, and funding excludes food and drink, so sessions involving breakfast or lunch carry meal charges. Fees are due a term ahead and remain payable for missed attendance. Contact the school for current charges.
Visits can be arranged by calling 01454 862233 or emailing nursery@stbarnabasprimaryschool.co.uk. A visit offers families a chance to see the nursery before choosing their child's sessions.
Children can attend from age two, with provision for two-, three- and four-year-olds.
No. Nursery attendance gives no Reception priority under the 2027/28 arrangements, and families must apply separately through the normal local authority process.
Eligible children aged two, three and four can use 15 or 30 funded hours. Parents complete an EY4P form; extra hours and meals attract charges.
Children bring a labelled lunch box or have a charged school-kitchen hot meal. A staff member sits with them, and a story follows lunch.
Call 01454 862233 or email nursery@stbarnabasprimaryschool.co.uk to arrange a convenient time.
