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Nursery at Eaton Bray Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 garden reached straight from the playroom gives Dormice Class its practical appeal: outdoor exploration can be part of the day, rather than a separate excursion. Eaton Bray Academy’s pre-school occupies a spacious, light building with a playground of its own. It belongs to the wider school, while having its own space for young children.
There is capacity for 45 pre-school children. Children can begin in the term following their second birthday and remain until the autumn after they turn four. The nursery describes its approach as personal, helping children develop independence and confidence through attention to their individual next steps.
Play combines activities chosen by children with experiences directed by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, developing physical skills and managing feelings and relationships, alongside early reading, maths, creativity and understanding the world. For parents, that means learning extends beyond early letters and numbers.
Stories provide starting points for broad themes, with room for children’s interests and cultural experiences to shape what follows. Development Matters and Birth to 5 matters inform the approach. Adults explain, demonstrate and ask questions during play, helping children put ideas into words and extend their thinking.
Daily phonics starts in pre-school through Little Wandle Revised Letters and Sounds, beginning with hearing and saying sounds. Stories are shared each day, and every class has a weekly library visit. Books therefore have a place both in planned teaching and in children’s everyday experiences.
The playground and garden connect directly to the playroom, giving children access to outdoor learning throughout the day. Weekly Wonder Woods sessions add exploration of nature. In November 2024, Ofsted found that children began early years strongly: staff established their starting knowledge promptly and adjusted learning to individual needs. That finding covers early years across the school.
An induction session with parents gives children an introduction before their start date. Early Years staff also make a home visit where possible. These arrangements create opportunities for families and staff to get acquainted before the nursery routine begins.
Parents can attend an open session each term to discuss progress, next steps and concerns. Class Dojo carries photographs, reminders and learning updates; My Child At School handles school letters. Together, these provide ways to follow learning between conversations with staff.
School support includes a SENDCo and access to the Early Years SEND Team. Parents are encouraged to raise concerns with their child’s teacher first, with the SENDCo involved when further discussion is needed. Support is shaped around individual needs rather than a single package.
For children aged three and above using wraparound care, breakfast is included in Breakfast Club, while After School Club provides drinks and snacks. The latter is staffed by qualified adults. School meals are supplied by HCL, with menus and ordering through SchoolGrid. Food containing nuts must not be brought into school, an important practical rule for packed lunches.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Starting School application to Central Bedfordshire’s School Admissions Team through the normal admissions process.
For 2027 entry, priority category seven applies to children attending Eaton Bray Nursery who qualify for the Early Years Pupil Premium or Service Premium. Attendance alone does not confer this priority. Families should keep that limited admissions benefit separate from the familiarity children develop through learning alongside older pupils.
Two-year-olds attend mornings from the term after their birthday; full days become an option from the term after children turn three. Pre-school operates during term time. Afternoon sessions run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm.
Funding is accepted for three-year-olds and for eligible two-year-olds. Wraparound hours can contribute to a child’s funded entitlement. Breakfast Club runs from 7:30am to 8:50am and After School Club from 3:20pm to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday during term time, for children aged three and above. These clubs have separate session or hourly charging arrangements; contact the school for current charges.
Nursery applications and viewing arrangements go through the school office. Uniform includes a gold polo shirt and red jumper or cardigan, with branding optional. A spare change of clothes, waterproof clothing and wellington boots support the practical demands of outdoor and messy play.
Children can start in the term after their second birthday, initially attending mornings. Full days are an option from the term after they turn three.
No. A separate Starting School application is required through Central Bedfordshire’s School Admissions Team. For 2027 entry, nursery attendance gives category-seven priority only to children eligible for the Early Years Pupil Premium or Service Premium.
Yes. Wraparound hours can form part of the funded entitlement. Breakfast and After School Club are open to children from age three.
Children are invited to an induction session with their parents before starting. Early Years staff also offer a home visit where possible.
Dormice Class has its own playground and garden, reached directly from the playroom, as well as weekly Wonder Woods sessions.
