Broadway First School Nursery Review

Baking, garden play and a gradual start give Laugh ‘N’ Learn its everyday character. Broadway First School’s early years provision has two stages: Nursery takes children under two and aged two, while Preschool serves three- and four-year-olds. Preschool shares Class 1 with Reception, giving older preschool children experience of a school classroom before they apply for their next place.

The nursery team includes a manager, senior practitioner and practitioner, with an Early Years apprentice also on staff. Both the manager and nursery practitioner hold Level 3 qualifications. This gives families distinct roles to turn to as their child’s care and learning develop.

Play carries the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical development, communication and emotional and social development, then extends into mathematics, literacy, creative work and understanding the world. Activities respond to children’s interests and needs, rather than expecting every child to work at the same pace.

Messy activities, dancing and singing feature in the nursery team’s work with children. Baking and play in the garden add practical experiences: children can explore materials, move and take part in making something together. Outdoor exploration is also part of the school’s early years practice.

In March 2023, Ofsted identified early years work that developed children’s understanding of number, alongside songs and rhymes that encouraged an interest in reading. These are useful foundations: number learning and language have a place alongside physical and creative play.

Settling starts with a one-hour play visit accompanied by a parent. An assigned key worker then discusses individual needs and care routines during at least two settling sessions. The usual nursery induction comprises four sessions lasting one, one, two and three hours, with parental separation increasing gradually. Entry can be phased to suit the child, and shorter days may be requested during the first week. Families have time to explain dietary needs, health, routines and preferences before the normal schedule begins.

Lunch can come from the school’s catering service, ordered through Arbor a week ahead, or from home as a packed lunch. Nursery families supply snacks, nappies and wipes; those using formula bring it with sterilised bottles. Charges can apply when the setting supplies missing consumables, so packing these is part of the daily routine.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the SENDCo coordinates provision. Early years staff are expected to respond to emerging difficulties and listen to parents’ concerns. Transition meetings share the support a child needs, with separate meetings involving agencies for children with EHC plans. That helps care information travel with the child.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor increases a child’s admission chances. A separate application is required through the normal school admissions route. Worcestershire residents apply to Worcestershire County Council; families elsewhere apply through their home local authority. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027.

Familiarity and admission remain separate. Before Reception entry, the key worker passes on information about learning, health and emotional needs. Two induction mornings and a parent induction evening help families prepare; parents are expected to join at least one morning.

Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, with afternoons from noon to 3pm; full days are also offered. Funded hours run between 9am and 3pm across 38 weeks. Preschool operates from 8.40am to 3.10pm, with the additional half-hour free of charge. Part-time requests can specify sessions and days, but preferences cannot be guaranteed.

Universal funding provides 15 weekly hours from the term after a child’s third birthday. Eligible working parents can access 30 hours from the term after their child turns nine months; eligible two-year-olds receiving additional government support can access 15 hours. Additional care is charged. Ask the office for current charges.

Longer days. Nursery breakfast club runs from 8am to 9am, and Wrap Around Club (WAC) from 3pm to 5.30pm. Both require a week’s notice and sufficient demand; sessions may be cancelled if numbers are too low. Families relying on this care need to account for that condition.

Register interest or arrange a visit through the school office: office@broadway.worcs.sch.uk or 01386 852485. Additional sessions also require booking a week ahead, and same-day requests depend on staffing ratios.