Little Hoots Nursery at Hullavington CofE Primary and Nursery School

Play chosen by children and activities guided by adults shape Little Hoots, the nursery class on Hullavington’s school site. A qualified teacher leads the provision with support from teaching assistants. It caters for three- and four-year-olds, with a limited number of funded places for two-year-olds. This is a nursery within the school, with its own play-based approach to learning.

The nursery aims to provide indoor and outdoor learning spaces that support children’s interests and development. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning and development with relationships and attention to each child’s needs. Here, that means conversation throughout the day, opportunities to act independently and adults helping children build on what they can already do.

Stories, songs and rhymes sit alongside early writing. Children have access to materials for making marks, while adults demonstrate how writing communicates meaning. Twinkl Phonics is taught in Nursery, introducing the connection between speech sounds and written letters. Role play has a physical place too: early years classes have areas that change with their learning themes, and children help create them. There is a reason to talk, imagine and exchange ideas.

Maths grows out of familiar experiences, including snack time, games and physical play. Children explore numbers, compare quantities and investigate size and capacity, giving mathematical ideas a practical context. In December 2022, Ofsted found that practical problem-solving in the early years prepared children well for their next stage of learning.

Creative work includes experimenting with materials, making music and inventing movements. Exploring the world involves sensory investigation and testing ideas about how things work. Nursery children also use cameras to take photographs, making technology something they can handle and use for a purpose.

Learning to manage feelings is part of the early years day. Adults explain emotions, model behaviour and help children resolve disagreements. Rules and routines sit alongside opportunities to make choices independently. The school aims to build confidence through praise and to work with families, taking account of children’s home circumstances.

For children staying for both daily sessions, lunch is brought from home. The school asks families to exclude products containing nuts from lunchboxes, along with confectionery and fizzy drinks. Medical and dietary care involves partnership with families, paediatricians and school health services. That links children’s care in school with the people who understand their needs.

Attending Little Hoots does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Wiltshire Council using the normal admissions route and deadline. Choosing nursery sessions and applying for school are separate decisions.

Summer-term arrangements help children moving into the main school become familiar with their classroom and teacher through visits. This gives the transition a practical focus: children get to know the people and space involved in their next step. Those visits support familiarity; they do not secure admission.

The nursery operates Monday to Friday during term time, with 10 three-hour sessions each week fitting around school opening times. Children must attend at least two sessions a week across at least two days. Children can stay for both sessions in a day, with a packed lunch. This session model matters when matching attendance to family routines.

The funding offer includes 15 hours from the term after a child’s third birthday, equivalent to five sessions. Places can also be offered for children eligible for 30-hour extended funding. Families outside that eligibility can pay for additional sessions where space permits. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 01666 837604 or admin@hullavington.wilts.sch.uk. School visits can be arranged through the office, giving families a way to see the setting before deciding.