Rolph Church of England Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Exploring, talking and learning to persevere give Rolph’s nursery its character. Provision starts from age two within Rolph Church of England Primary School and Nursery, on High Street in Thorpe-le-Soken. This is an early start within a church primary school, with a nursery team of its own.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 29 and 30 June 2022. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision. The nursery-specific findings highlighted children’s enjoyment of exploration, while the wider early years findings described confidence in conversation and positive relationships with adults.

Development Matters guides planning for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). At the June 2022 inspection, nursery children enjoyed investigating and exploring, while early years children were encouraged to learn across all areas. For a parent, the useful emphasis is on how children take part: trying things, listening and communicating, rather than simply completing an activity.

In June 2022, children were learning to sustain their efforts when something proved difficult. Listening received attention too. Together, those habits help a child take part in learning and persist with a challenge. Conversation also mattered: early years children spoke confidently both to adults and to one another, giving them practice in expressing themselves with different people.

The EYFS lunch period runs from noon until 1pm, and nursery finishes at 3pm. Those timings give families two practical points around which to organise meals and collection.

Relationships provide the clearest picture of care here. In June 2022, early years children related well to adults and were comfortable talking with them. For young children, that confidence matters when they need help or want to share an idea.

Meals require advance planning. Parents book lunches through School Money by midnight the day before, paying where applicable. Free school meals must also be booked online but carry no charge. Tell the office about dietary needs or allergies. Packed lunches must exclude nuts, so this rule also affects families preparing food at home.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Rolph. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step, even if your child already attends nursery: choosing the nursery and securing a school place are separate decisions.

The nursery day ends at 3pm, making collection an important part of the family’s daily planning. A nursery application form is available, and families can arrange a school tour by calling the office. Visits can be arranged at a time suited to the family, rather than waiting for a particular open day.

Contact the office on 01255 861317 or email admin.rolph@dcvst.org. Uniform is required for all children. Navy and light blue are the school colours, with grey also accepted for skirts and trousers; Anglia Sports & School Wear supplies uniform. These are practical preparations to make alongside organising lunch bookings and collection.