Pencombe CofE Primary School Nursery Review

A purpose-built Early Years building and a group of up to 10 give Pencombe’s nursery a distinct identity within the primary school. The provision is called Pippin Class, which brings nursery and Reception children together. Pencombe Early Years accepts children aged 2.5 to 5; its nursery places start from two and a half. For families, the arrangement means beginning school life within a shared early years class rather than a separate nursery setting.

Play shapes the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects children’s language, movement and relationships with early mathematics, creative work and understanding their surroundings. Adults lead some activities, while children also choose play that staff develop through conversation and observation. A visual timetable helps children follow the sequence of the day.

Inside, the sensory tray provides opportunities to make marks in finger paint or soapy sand. Playdough and clay give small hands practice manipulating materials; water play introduces questions about capacity as children fill containers. Picture labels on storage help children find resources and return them independently. The book corner has Story Sacks and puppets for retelling stories, while Teaching Talking supports speaking and listening. Early reading activities use Floppy’s Phonics alongside daily songs, stories and action rhymes.

Outdoor play connects with indoor learning, with children moving between the spaces whenever possible. Windy Weather boxes contain bubbles, kites and streamers, turning changes in the weather into something children can explore. Planting vegetables, searching for minibeasts and following maths trails bring learning into practical activity. An Outdoor Classroom adds another teaching space. The gazebo and storytellers chair provide places for quieter conversation and stories, so outdoor time includes rest as well as movement.

Settling can happen alongside a parent. Nursery parents may remain with their child at the start of each day until they settle, allowing time to exchange information with staff. Home visits and contact with a child’s previous setting also help the team get to know families. Parents contribute to individual Learning Journeys, with information passing both ways about progress.

Pippin’s staffing includes an EYFS lead and teaching assistant support. For additional needs, the school and federation have a SENCo and an Early Years SENCo. Wordful Speech Therapy works mainly within EYFS to observe and assess speech and language difficulties. Children with SEND have an Individual Provision Map, reviewed with parents each term. This gives families a regular point for discussing next steps.

Fruit and drinking water form part of the care arrangements, with dietary and medical needs taken into account. Children have a balance of active and restful experiences, and photographs, gestures and symbols support children’s developing communication.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admission priority. Families must apply separately. For September 2027 entry, applications go online through Herefordshire Council’s Reception admissions route, using the Common Application Form by 15 January. Choosing the nursery therefore needs to be a decision about the early years experience itself, with the later school application treated separately.

Familiarisation is a different matter. Early years staff work with other teachers on joint activities, including Christmas events and Sports Day. Before full-time school entry, children are offered several half days in the infant class to become familiar with adults and other children. These experiences support the change of routine; they do not alter admission rights.

Nursery opening hours are 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. The provision offers the 30 hours entitlement. Before attendance, parents complete a registration form covering emergency contacts, allergies, dietary requirements, consent and session arrangements.

Visits can be arranged through the school office. For enquiries, telephone 01885 400 255 or email admin@pencombe.hereford.sch.uk. Parents should tell the class teacher whenever collection arrangements change from the usual routine, helping staff keep track of who will collect each child.