Chesterton Primary School Nursery Review

A large garden and Forest School give Chesterton’s youngest children space to explore, alongside play indoors and participation in school celebrations. This is the nursery and pre-school within Chesterton Primary School on Apsley Road, Cirencester, catering for children aged two, three and four.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 17 and 18 June 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Play combines activities guided by adults with choices children make themselves. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with activities across its seven learning areas. Its emphasis is on movement, talking and listening, and children’s emotional and social development. For parents, this means learning includes how children communicate, manage relationships and become more independent, alongside early literacy and mathematics.

The large garden and Forest School extend that learning outdoors. Children are encouraged to experiment, solve problems and try unfamiliar challenges inside and outside. In June 2025, children in early years concentrated for sustained periods while hunting for sea creatures in sand and pouring water into containers. These are concrete examples of exploration holding children’s attention.

Stories provide another connection between nursery and home. Pre-school staff share titles including The Colour Monster, Room on the Broom and Rumble in the Jungle. Joining assemblies, celebrations and themed school days also gives nursery children experience of being part of the wider school.

Families can speak to their child’s room leader or the senior team about additional support. Chesterton works with other professionals on early intervention for families, giving parents a route to help when difficulties begin to affect family life. Pre-school support includes resources about taking turns, developing interaction and early language, alongside information about educational psychology and the advisory teaching service.

Health learning has practical examples. In June 2025, early years children learnt about tooth cleaning and handwashing. Parents of younger nursery children also receive lunch guidance covering vegetables, fruit, protein, whole grains and fats. This is advice for families rather than a description of a nursery meal service.

Safeguarding responsibilities include a designated lead who advises staff on concerns and decisions about further action. The nursery refers concerns about significant harm to social care, with parental notification subject to the child’s safety.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process, handled by Gloucestershire County Council rather than the school. Keep that application separate from any nursery booking.

Participation in school assemblies and celebrations gives children familiarity with school life. This familiarity with school life does not replace the separate Reception application.

Funded hours can be used during term time between 8.45am and 3.15pm. Chesterton accepts the two-year-old funding scheme for 15 hours from the term following a child’s second birthday, and three- and four-year-old funding for 15 or 30 hours from the term following their third birthday, subject to eligibility. Early drop-off and extended care carry additional charges. Contact the school for current charges before agreeing your booking.

Spaces are reviewed each term ahead of the next term. Families can arrange a nursery visit through the school office or return admission forms, including a session preference form. Enquiries can be made on 01285 654796 or by emailing admin@chesterton.gloucs.sch.uk.

Uniform combines a jade green polo shirt with a burgundy sweatshirt, either with or without a logo. Burgundy book bags and rucksacks have the logo, and uniform is available through the school office.