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Nursery at Cerne Abbas CofE VC First School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A secure outdoor area and a curriculum centred on conversation give Ducklings its character. This is the school's own nursery for children aged three and four, on the Cerne Abbas school site, with preschool provision grouped within its early years classes. The connection is practical: children begin school life in the same setting where they may later apply for Reception.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 12 and 13 July 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Language gives the learning its direction. In July 2023, staff matched their responses to children's interests and needs, while stories, poetry and singing helped develop communication. Children also practised sharing toys and learning space. For a preschool child, these are opportunities to build both conversation and cooperation.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. Its seven learning and development areas help organise children's learning before age five; the school's parent guide connects that framework with activities families can use to support development. A secure EYFS outdoor area allows children to move between outside and indoor learning, giving them room to follow an interest across both spaces.
The Peace Garden supplies a concrete example of that curiosity. In November 2022, a joint Giant and Ducklings activity used camera footage of a hedgehog to explore animals active at night. A welly walk then became a search for bugs and worms that those animals might eat. The sequence linked watching, talking and investigating something real in the children's surroundings.
Ducklings has key worker roles and an assistant within its staff team. In July 2023, early years staff knew children's individual needs and recognised when extra support might be necessary, including for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The school's SEND arrangements involve parents in planning and reviewing support, so families have a part in deciding what helps their child.
Lunch can come from home, or parents can order and pay for a hot meal through Local Food Links. Registration gathers dietary and allergy information alongside health details and collection arrangements. This gives staff practical information to use in caring for each child.
Physical access. The accessibility plan agreed in December 2024 records approximately 30% wheelchair accessibility across the school and no wheelchair access to toilets at that time, with physical barriers affecting the nursery. Discuss current access arrangements with the school before booking. The plan also records picture timetables and boards, alongside Zones of Regulation work in early years, to make routines and communication easier to understand.
Attending Ducklings does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority for one. Parents must make a separate application through the local authority's School Admissions Department, using the normal Reception application process and its deadline. Nursery attendance and school admission are separate decisions.
Transition support has a different purpose. Ducklings is on site, and the SEND policy describes parent questionnaires that gather additional needs information for the SEND Lead. At the end of each year, transfer meetings share details of children with SEND between teachers and support assistants. These arrangements help the next team understand a child's needs; they do not change admission rights.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to noon, with afternoon sessions from 1:15pm to 3pm. A whole-day option is also offered. Sessions are booked each term, with a minimum commitment of two full days or 12½ hours a week. That minimum matters if you want only a small amount of preschool attendance.
The funding model provides 15 hours a week over 38 weeks, beginning in the term after a child's third birthday. Eligible families who apply before the deadline can receive up to 30 funded hours from the term after their child's third birthday. Funded places depend on availability; attendance before funding starts and additional sessions are charged. Ask the school for current charges.
Booking commitment. Agreed sessions remain payable through the half term even when unused, and half a term's notice is required. Factor that commitment into changing work or childcare arrangements.
For enquiries, contact the school office on 01300 341319 or office@cerneabbas.dorset.sch.uk. School tours can be arranged through the school. Ducklings children can choose a lighter blue sweatshirt with the ducklings logo, and generic clothing is acceptable.
Ducklings cares for children aged three and four. Children can attend after their third birthday, with parents paying until funding begins in the following term.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to noon and afternoons from 1:15pm to 3pm. There is also a whole-day option. The minimum booking is two full days or 12½ hours weekly.
No. Nursery attendance gives no Reception priority and does not guarantee a place. Parents apply separately through the local authority's School Admissions Department.
Children can bring lunch from home, or parents can order and pay for a hot meal through Local Food Links. Dietary requirements and allergies are collected at registration.
The policy provides 15 funded hours weekly over 38 weeks from the term after a child's third birthday. Eligible families who apply before the deadline can receive up to 30 funded hours from the term after their child's third birthday, with places subject to availability.
