The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Tollgate 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 with room to explore gives Tollgate's nursery its character: children choose their own learning, adults help it develop, and a large garden allows movement between indoor and outdoor activity. This is the school's own nursery in Bury St Edmunds, with entry from the term following a child's third birthday. Morning, afternoon and all-day options give families different ways to organise attendance.
The nursery belongs to the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 3 to 4 October 2023. That judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Children have substantial time to initiate play, with adults supporting what they choose to do. The EYFS brings together early learning about numbers, language and literacy with physical development, creativity, understanding the world, and learning to manage feelings and relationships. For parents, the practical point is that play serves several learning purposes together, rather than dividing the day into separate school subjects.
Free-flow access to the garden gives children scope to take their exploration outside. Indoors and outdoors, the nursery encourages discovery and learning to judge risks. In October 2023, early years children developed independence through exploring resources and equipment in the school's forest area. Outdoor learning therefore includes making decisions about what they can safely attempt.
Language gets close adult attention. In October 2023, adults' conversations with nursery children helped them extend their vocabulary and use speech accurately. Stories, songs and poems supported children's interest in language. The youngest children also became familiar with classroom expectations, played cooperatively and treated shared equipment considerately. These are useful foundations for joining in with other children as well as learning independently.
The nursery aims to help children settle happily into education. Its approach emphasises relationships with adults, attention to children's feelings and interests, and encouragement towards independence. Families can contact the class teacher through Class Dojo or directly by email, giving them a route for questions and concerns about their child.
Lunch Club is staffed by school employees. Nursery children go to the dining room and eat alongside other children; school meals can be bought through ParentMail. Children who qualify may receive Free School Meals. This makes the lunch arrangement a practical part of choosing a longer day.
For additional needs, the school's SEND approach uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review: staff and parents identify needs, agree support and revisit its effect. SEND support plans and classroom SEND SNAPSHOT documents are reviewed at least every half term. That provides a recurring opportunity to adjust support as a child's needs change.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027, and nursery attendance gives no priority within the oversubscription criteria.
Transition support is a separate matter. For children who are especially anxious or have complex needs, the school offers help between year groups, involves parents and offers meetings with the receiving teacher. Teachers also hand over SEND support plans, so information about a child's needs can travel with them.
Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45; afternoons run from 12:30 to 15:30. Lunch occupies 11:45 to 12:30. All-day attendance and 30-hour placements are also offered. Regular extra sessions can be purchased if space permits, and Lunch Club carries a separate charge. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery application forms are obtained from the main office. Visits can be arranged by telephone on 01284 752742; enquiries can also go to office@tollgateprimary.org. A visit offers families a chance to discuss the nursery's play-based approach and the attendance pattern they want.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday.
Morning, afternoon and all-day attendance are offered, alongside 30-hour placements. Morning sessions are 08:45 to 11:45 and afternoons are 12:30 to 15:30.
School staff run Lunch Club, and children eat in the dining room with other children. Meals can be purchased through ParentMail; children who qualify may receive Free School Meals.
No. Attendance gives no guarantee or oversubscription priority for September 2027 Reception entry. A separate application goes through the family's home local authority by 15 January 2027.
Yes. Telephone the school on 01284 752742 to arrange an appointment.
