Little Acorns at Thringstone Primary School

Growing cress gives a small but telling picture of Little Acorns: practical learning starts early here. At the March 2022 inspection, children had been planting seeds as part of activities covering the seven areas of early learning. There is something concrete for young children to investigate.

Little Acorns caters for two- to four-year-olds as Thringstone Primary School’s pre-school and shares the school site. It opened in September 2019. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 29 and 30 March 2022; that judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with activities spanning seven areas of development. For parents, the useful distinction is that learning extends beyond early reading: the cress-growing activity gives children a practical encounter with the natural world. In March 2022, activities were appropriate for the children’s stage of learning.

Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised provides the pre-school’s approach to early reading. Alongside this, the school’s early years approach uses stories to develop language and imagination, with role play and conversations giving children ways to express ideas. Songs and stories are daily features. This places talking and listening alongside the beginnings of reading.

Curriculum precision. In March 2022, some subjects needed clearer decisions about the knowledge and vocabulary children should learn, and when, including in early years. For families, this qualifies the positive judgement: appropriate activities were in place, but parts of the learning sequence needed sharper definition.

In March 2022, adults and children in early years had warm relationships, and families received useful updates about their child’s development. That combination matters: children have supportive adult contact while parents can follow their progress.

Additional needs are addressed through the school’s SEND approach. Staff assess needs, plan help and revisit progress with families; outside professionals can be involved where appropriate. The SENDCo oversees this work across the school and can be reached through the office. Parents therefore have a route for discussing communication, learning, physical development or emotional needs.

Safeguarding responsibilities include a deputy designated safeguarding lead for Little Acorns. Concerns can be sent to dsl@thringstone.leics.sch.uk, which is monitored during school holidays as well as term time.

Attending Little Acorns does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Leicestershire County Council. Applications usually begin in September for the following September’s intake and close in January; check the council’s exact deadline for the relevant year.

Classroom familiarity is a separate benefit. During the year, Little Acorns children visit the Reception classroom, meet their future teacher and become acquainted with its routines before September. This preparation helps make the change less unfamiliar, but does not secure admission.

For Little Acorns enquiries, contact the school office on 01530 222489 or email office@thringstone.leics.sch.uk. The school is on Hensons Lane, Thringstone, LE67 8LJ. Individual school tours can be arranged through the office, giving families an opportunity to meet staff and discuss their child’s needs.