The Fountains Primary School Nursery Review

Play and communication belong together at Fountains: nursery learning combines activities chosen by children with adult guidance adapted to their developmental level. Each child's education, health and care plan (EHCP) outcomes are addressed alongside that learning, giving individual needs a place in everyday teaching.

The nursery forms part of The Fountains Primary School on Bitham Lane in Stretton, Burton-on-Trent. The school admits children from age two; this is special-school provision. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 13 and 14 September 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for nursery learning. Here, that means play across seven learning areas, with communication and managing emotions woven into teaching. The school aims to help children build skills gradually, so learning starts from their developmental level.

Cornerstones supplies the long-term planning framework. Adults lead adapted activities, while children also pursue learning they initiate themselves. This gives the day two complementary strands: guided teaching and opportunities to explore. Outdoor learning is included, alongside early reading, phonics and Numicon, which brings another named approach into the early years curriculum.

Progress is assessed using Birth to Five Matters and recorded in a Learning Journey. EHCP outcomes are also tracked, linking curriculum learning with each child's individual goals.

In September 2023, imaginative indoor classrooms and outdoor spaces helped early years children engage with learning and develop enthusiasm. The physical environment mattered to that finding: learning extended beyond the classroom, giving children different surroundings to explore.

Settling begins before a child joins. In September 2023, early years leaders gathered information from families, the local authority, professionals and pre-school agencies, then used it to help new children settle. This makes the initial exchange about a child's needs practically useful, rather than simply administrative.

Communication is a daily teaching priority, including strategies for expressing needs and managing emotions. Communication support. The September 2023 inspection identified a school-wide inconsistency in using speech, signing and symbols, leaving some pupils less able to access learning. For families whose children depend on these methods, consistent use matters throughout the day.

Meals sit within the school's shared arrangements. Derbyshire County Council caterers prepare dinners in the school kitchens each day, using local, fresh ingredients. Choices include vegetarian dishes, sandwiches and hot meals with salad or vegetables. Lunchtime also gives children practice eating alongside others and trying unfamiliar food. Allergen and medical-diet procedures address individual dietary needs.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must treat Reception as a separate application, following the applicable route and deadline rather than assuming nursery attendance secures admission.

The early years curriculum continues to address individual EHCP outcomes. That continuity in learning should be considered separately from the decision about a child's next placement.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01283 247600 or enquiries-primary@fountains.staffs.sch.uk. The office opens from 8:00am to 4:00pm. This gives families a direct contact for discussing the provision.

School uniform combines a royal blue sweatshirt with a white shirt, blouse or polo shirt and dark grey trousers or a skirt. Uniform is encouraged, but should never stop a child attending. Children should bring a named water bottle. Break-time snacks come from home: fruit, vegetables and crackers are among the permitted choices, while sweets, crisps and chocolate bars should stay at home.