Woodnewton - A Learning Community Nursery

Mud kitchens, woodwork and growing areas give Woodnewton’s nursery a practical character. Children can choose activities indoors and outside, with adults extending their ideas as they play. There is room to experiment.

Early education starts at two and continues until statutory school age, through Two Year Old Provision (TYOP) and Foundation Stage One (FS1). The three-plus nursery occupies space within the main school building on Rowlett Road, Corby. FS1 has 65 full-time-equivalent places, with capacity for 65 children in each morning and afternoon session.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 23 and 24 April 2024. This was an early years judgement within the school’s inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning and development together through play. Here, continuous provision means activity areas remain organised for children to pursue their own interests, practise skills and try ideas. Adults contribute suggestions and challenges, offering help as it becomes useful. Woodnewton describes practical exploration and outdoor learning as ways to develop children’s thinking and problem-solving.

Children have construction and small-world play alongside spaces for reading, drawing and writing. Puzzles support fine motor practice; dressing up and role play create opportunities to imagine. Music, number activities and investigation add other ways to explore, while computing is included in FS1.

Resources also include sand and water, wheeled toys, climbing areas, mud kitchens, growing areas and woodwork. Children can choose activities both indoors and outdoors. Mess is part of the approach: clothes suited to active play and wellington boots for wet activities make practical sense.

In April 2024, early years activities had purposeful learning goals, and children collaborated and shared what they were doing. Routines became established promptly and expectations for behaviour were high. Play had direction as well as choice.

Each child has a key person who follows their development and wellbeing and discusses these with parents. Confidential conversations can be arranged during a session, giving families time beyond the busy handover. The early years team has qualifications and experience in education and care, enhanced DBS checks and continuing professional development.

For the FS1 September start, families are offered a home visit before attendance begins. An end-of-June parent meeting and a Transition Day provide chances to meet staff and visit together. Children initially attend part time, with sessions increased gradually. These steps introduce the people and routines before the full pattern begins.

Daily snacks accompany social time with adults and other children. Milk and water remain accessible during sessions. Dietary preferences, allergies and health requirements are discussed before children start, so food arrangements can take account of individual needs. Lunch attendance is also possible.

Both TYOP and FS1 have child-sized toilets, sinks and nappy-changing facilities. Families supply wipes and nappies; changes are recorded, and toilet training follows each child’s development and parents’ requests as far as possible. Paediatric first-aid-trained staff are present on the premises.

Children with SEND are welcomed across early years. An Early Years SEND Lead works within the school’s support structure, and staff work with families and other agencies on adaptations for individual needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority’s coordinated process. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027; families living locally apply through North Northamptonshire Council.

Attendance at the nursery gives no Reception priority for the 2027/2028 admissions cycle. Choosing the nursery and applying for school therefore remain separate decisions.

For children with SEND, transition support includes staff sharing information about learning, individual needs and helpful strategies. That handover supports continuity of care; it does not change admission entitlement.

FS1 mornings run from 8:45am to 11:45am, and afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, each totalling 15 hours a week. TYOP offers morning, afternoon and full-day attendance during term time. Paid wraparound care is offered from 8:00am to 8:45am and 3:30pm to 6:00pm daily.

Funded places are offered subject to eligibility. Time outside the free nursery education entitlement is charged, lunch carries an additional charge, and snack contributions are voluntary. Contact the school for current charges. Paid sessions must be booked and paid for through My Child at School (MCAS) by the preceding Thursday; payments are made weekly or monthly in advance. Four weeks’ notice is required to withdraw or reduce sessions, and fees remain payable during absence.

Call 01536 265173 for enquiries or to arrange a visit. Name clothing, especially outdoor items. Collection is restricted to authorised adults, with a password arrangement for an unfamiliar person collecting on a one-off occasion.