Little Deer Nursery at Boney Hay Primary Academy

Gardening, wildlife and natural materials give Little Deer Nursery its character. This is Boney Hay Primary Academy’s on-site nursery in Burntwood, with play and exploration shaping its approach. The nursery describes its aim as helping children become more independent and confident through a connection with nature.

The facilities have been refurbished with support from the Department for Education’s School Based Nursery Grant. The practical emphasis is on space for different kinds of activity, including quieter play alongside time together.

Play leads the learning here. Little Deer’s approach gives children an active part in exploring and creating, rather than describing learning solely as adult instruction. The nursery aims to support emotional development alongside children’s thinking skills, making curiosity and growing independence part of the same experience.

Outside, children can investigate wildlife and help tend the garden. A dedicated outdoor learning area provides space for art, gardening and exploration: nature becomes something children handle and care for, rather than simply look at. Woodland themes also feature in activities.

Indoors, rooms accommodate creative work, quieter activities and interaction in groups. Natural materials provide opportunities for sensory exploration, while furniture and play equipment are designed for children. These different spaces allow the activities to change pace, from making and investigating to more settled play. The concrete attraction for families is the combination of outdoor activity and room for quieter interests.

The nursery team includes room leaders and practitioners, with a nursery SENDCO assistant role. That gives families a nursery-specific point within the wider structure for special educational needs and disabilities.

For concerns about additional needs, parents can contact the school office to speak with the SENCo. The school uses a cycle of assessment, planning, support and review; Individual Learning Plans provide targeted help where needed. This creates a route for discussing a child’s needs and reviewing the support, rather than treating an initial concern as a finished decision.

Attending Little Deer does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their entry year. Staffordshire’s School Admissions and Transport Service processes preferences centrally through a coordinated scheme.

For 2027/2028, a proposed change would give an oversubscription priority to children who have attended the school nursery and receive Early Years Pupil Premium Funding. This remains a draft proposal, so families should not treat it as an established entitlement. Nursery attendance alone would not satisfy that proposed condition. Keep the Reception application separate from the decision to choose Little Deer.

Little Deer offers 15-hour and 30-hour provision, funded for eligible parents. New applicants can complete an Expression of Interest form. Enquiries can also go to office@boneyhay.staffs.sch.uk or 01543 227555, and school visits can be arranged by contacting the school.

Forest Friends provides breakfast and after-school care for families using Little Deer. Bookings must be made ahead through My Child at School. Tax-Free Childcare payments are accepted for this wraparound provision; contact the school for current charges.