Hardwick and Cambourne Community Primary School Nursery Review

Rhyme, song and children choosing their own learning give the Cambourne pre-school its character. This is Hardwick and Cambourne Community Primary School’s own provision for three-year-olds, based on the Cambourne campus. The distinction matters: nursery care at the Hardwick campus belongs to a separate registered provider.

Ofsted’s April 2026 judgement for the school’s early years was Expected standard. That covers early years within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Choice shapes the curriculum. The nursery uses a child-driven workshop approach, with qualified nursery teachers supporting children to explore and ask questions. In parent terms, children have a say in what they investigate; learning is not confined to adults setting the same task for everyone. Opportunities to share learning with families also connect classroom activity with home.

Early reading begins with listening. In the Cambourne pre-school, songs and rhymes introduce children to sounds, giving them a starting point for later reading. Across the early years foundation stage, planned teaching sits alongside play. Sharing, listening and waiting for a turn are part of that learning, so social skills develop through activity with other children.

There are teaching weaknesses to weigh alongside those strengths. In April 2026, some early-years errors involving how children held pencils and formed letters persisted because adults did not correct them promptly. Adult involvement in less structured play was also uneven, with chances to extend vocabulary sometimes missed. For parents, the useful distinction is between providing play opportunities and using those opportunities to deepen children’s language. Consistent early writing teaching was an improvement priority.

Families have regular opportunities to see and celebrate nursery learning. That gives parent communication a purpose beyond practical messages: it helps families understand what their child is exploring and learning.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities, the school’s support process includes a Pupil Passport and Assess, Plan, Do, Review documents. These can record helpful approaches or set individual targets. Parents help develop those targets, and review meetings take place each term. The teacher is the first contact for concerns, with meetings arranged through the office. This provides a clear route into discussion about support.

The school’s general catering arrangements include hot food prepared on site by Lunchtime catering, a three-week rotating menu and healthier packed-lunch guidance. Ask the Cambourne office which meal and packed-lunch arrangements apply to nursery children. The pre-school also has a designated safeguarding lead within the school’s safeguarding team, giving concerns a specific route for attention.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Cambridgeshire County Council and meet the deadline for their entry year. For the September 2026 intake, applications closed on 15 January 2026; that deadline has passed.

Support for transition is a separate matter. For children with SEND moving through the school, teachers exchange information and the SEND coordinator oversees awareness of children’s needs. Sharing support information helps the next teacher prepare, but it does not secure admission.

The Cambourne campus is on Sheepfold Lane, Cambridge, CB23 6FR. Contact its office on 01954 210070, option 2, or email blue@hardwick.cambs.sch.uk. School visits can be arranged through the office, providing an opportunity to discuss the setting in person.

Nursery clothing sold through Nationwide School Uniform includes sky blue or white T-shirts and navy sweatshirts with the school logo. Sample sizes can be tried at Cambourne, and second-hand uniform is held at both campuses. That gives families another way to source clothing before buying new items.