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Nursery at Bettridge 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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, communication and individual care shape Bettridge’s early years provision. Children can attend from age 2 where appropriate, within a community special school in Cheltenham. The emphasis is on learning matched to each child’s needs, with personal development and communication woven into daily activity.
Small teaching groups bring together a class teacher and several support staff. Across the school, Total Communication gives children different ways to express themselves, including signing, photographs, symbols and voice output communication aids. For a child whose spoken language is limited, these are practical routes into making choices and joining in.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides planning and assessment. In parent terms, this means developing movement, communication and emotional skills alongside early reading, number work, creativity and understanding the world. Development Matters also informs planning. Activities combine adult guidance with play that children choose or initiate themselves, so learning includes both supported tasks and opportunities to follow an interest.
Topics give those experiences a shared theme. The early years topic programme includes nature, rain, lights, and music through songs and dance. These provide concrete starting points for exploring the surroundings and materials. Daily routines also become teaching opportunities, rather than sitting apart from the curriculum.
Outdoor exploration is part of early years learning. Topics usually change each term, but can continue longer when children’s engagement supports this. Within the wider school, large classrooms and a quiet room called The Hub provide different spaces for learning. The Hub supports children who need to work individually or in a small group away from classroom activity.
Settling starts with getting to know the child. Once a placement is confirmed, the class teacher meets the family and can visit the child’s existing setting, observe them and speak with staff. Time in a Bettridge class follows, with visits adjusted to the child’s needs. For September starters, a meeting with the multidisciplinary team takes place within the first six weeks to review settling, targets and provision.
ClassDojo connects families with teachers through messages, photographs and videos. Parents also contribute to support planning and annual EHCP reviews. This gives families both everyday contact and formal opportunities to discuss their child’s priorities. Teachers also send curriculum newsletters each term, outlining class topics, planned outings and events, with ideas for practising learning at home. Families can use these to connect with classroom activity.
Meals have a familiar social structure: early years children sit in their class groups, supported by teaching assistants they know. The school kitchen prepares hot lunches and caters for medical and religious dietary requirements; packed lunches are another option. Prescribed tube feeding can also be managed. These arrangements make individual feeding needs part of the school day.
Personal care has practical equipment behind it, including changing rooms with hoists. Speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and school nursing work within the school; therapy allocation depends on need and NHS criteria. Support is therefore individual, rather than an automatic package for every child.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm the next placement steps with the school and local authority. Bettridge’s admission route involves a local authority referral, with a panel considering professional information.
For enquiries, contact the school on 01242 514934 or email admin@bettridge.gloucs.sch.uk. Visits can be arranged by telephone and usually combine a tour with an informal discussion with a senior leader.
Hot meals are paid for in advance through ParentPay; the school office provides current charges and account information. For families driving to school, staff receive and return children through the vehicle queue. Families walking in use the pedestrian gate and zebra crossing. Changes to collection arrangements need advance notice, keeping handover clear for everyone involved.
Early years provision starts from age 2 where appropriate.
The EYFS guides learning, with adult-supported activities, child-chosen play and outdoor exploration. Communication, physical development and emotional skills sit alongside early literacy, mathematics and creativity.
Children can have a hot school lunch or bring a packed lunch. The kitchen accommodates medical and religious dietary needs, and prescribed tube feeding can be managed.
The class teacher gathers information from the family and the child’s existing setting before class visits tailored to the child. September starters have a settling review within the first six weeks.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should confirm the next placement steps with the school and local authority.
