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Nursery at Castle School, Cambridge
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication, movement and exploration shape early learning at Castle’s Fields Centre. The nursery belongs to a special school where every pupil has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), so individual developmental goals matter more than a uniform pace through activities.
Castle’s early-years provision is based at the Fields Centre. In May 2024, early years operated on a separate site. In May 2024, Ofsted judged early years Good. That judgement applies to early years within the school’s inspection, rather than to a separately inspected nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach at the Fields puts relationships, emotional development, communication and physical development first. In everyday parent language, learning to express a choice, engage with another person or develop movement is part of the curriculum itself. Castle also bases its approach on Birth to 5 Matters, linking each child’s development with relationships and the environment around them.
Exploration runs through the day, with time for children to follow interests and make decisions. Activities are adapted to individual needs. For learners ready for more formal teaching, maths, literacy, expressive arts and understanding the world become more distinct sessions. The balance therefore depends on the child, rather than every learner following an identical timetable.
Play, adult-guided activities and interventions support personal development in early years. Communication has a practical purpose: Castle aims to help children express needs and preferences and participate socially. Class teachers adapt communication activities to their learners, making this work part of the day rather than an isolated lesson.
Progress is tracked through observations recorded in Evidence for Learning. At the Fields, staff use individual EHCP goals alongside Castle Rainbow levels or the Engagement Profile. This gives families a way to follow small developmental steps as well as progress through learning activities. In May 2024, teaching of the phonics scheme was consistent from early years onwards.
Support across Castle includes teaching staff, therapists and family support workers. Digital Passports bring together a pupil’s strengths, triggers, needs and helpful strategies, giving adults a shared reference for individual support. Parents contribute to these and to behaviour support plans, and take part in reviews of learning and EHCP outcomes.
Evidence for Learning also connects home and class: parents can reply to messages and send their own contributions. Contact with the class team can take place by telephone or email too. That gives families several ways to keep a conversation going about their child.
For meals, Castle uses Stir Food and permits packed lunches. The school is nut free; food must be in a marked container, and drinking water is accessible through the day. These practical rules matter when preparing lunch and managing food brought from home.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate admissions step, rather than assuming that attending the nursery secures the next placement.
Castle’s school admissions are managed by the local authority. Families raise a placement request with their child’s current school and SEND caseworker; the caseworker sends consultation papers to Castle. Once a place is confirmed, the authority arranges admission paperwork and agrees the start date with the family and school. For the move beyond nursery, work through that placement route with the SEND caseworker.
Visits can be arranged for families whose child has an EHCP or is being assessed for one. Contact the office on 01223 442400 or office@castle.cambs.sch.uk to book. A visit usually includes a tour with the relevant Assistant Head, meetings with staff and an opportunity to discuss whether Castle can meet the child’s needs.
Transport is provided by the local authority, with most vehicles carrying at least one escort. Travel enquiries go to the Education Transport (SEND) Team at edtransport@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
It is based at the Fields Centre.
Communication, physical development and personal, social and emotional development take priority. Activities reflect individual needs and EHCP goals.
Staff record observations in Evidence for Learning. Parents can respond and send messages through it, with email and telephone contact also available.
No. Castle’s admissions are managed by the local authority through the SEND caseworker consultation route.
Yes, if the child has an EHCP or is being assessed for one. Contact the school office to make an appointment.
