Wilby Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

Forest School, music making and a shared early years classroom give Wilby Pre-School its character. There are 13 places for children aged 3 and 4, within Wren Chicks Class at Wilby Church of England Primary School. Nursery children share this class with Reception children, so the provision is part of school life from the start.

Children normally begin in the term following their third birthday. An earlier start may be considered in exceptional circumstances in the preceding term, with an individual assessment, the headteacher’s discretion and a trial period. Attendance can be up to 30 hours each week.

Play shapes the learning. Children choose activities as well as joining tasks led by adults, with staff using observations to decide what comes next. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together movement, communication and emotional development with early reading, mathematics, creativity and discovery of the world. For the youngest children, teaching assistants concentrate on language, physical skills and relationships: the foundations for participating in activities and playing alongside others.

The classroom gives those aims practical form. Children can investigate water, sand and play dough, build in the construction area or invent situations through role play. A book corner includes poetry and books made by the class; the writing area has envelopes alongside paper and writing tools. These are opportunities to handle materials, develop hand control and use language for a purpose.

Outside, learning continues in the outdoor classroom. Forest School runs throughout the year, while music making and local outings using the school minibus add other experiences. Physical activity also includes sessions introducing basic PE skills.

Early phonics begins in pre-school. Phase 1 emphasises listening and speaking, noticing surrounding sounds and preparing to combine spoken sounds into words or separate words into sounds. This sits within the school’s Essential Letters and Sounds programme. The emphasis is on hearing and talking before formal reading.

Settling starts before the first session. Families can choose a home visit from the class teacher and a teaching assistant, giving them time to explain their child’s interests and concerns in familiar surroundings. A morning taster is also offered in the half term before starting. Parents may accompany children into class and help them settle with a chosen activity.

An EYFS lead and teaching assistants form the nursery team. Progress is shared through photographs and explanations on Class Dojo, with a written report each term and the option of a discussion with the class teacher. Parents can contribute achievements from home, so communication works in both directions.

Food has its own routine. Children sit down for snacks during both morning and afternoon sessions, and families are asked to share dietary requirements. Lunch runs from 11.45am to 12.15pm. Children booked for an afternoon session can have a pre-booked school lunch for an additional charge, or bring their own; staff supervise packed lunches without an extra supervision charge.

Support takes individual needs into account, with the School Nursing Team among the services the nursery can work with. Across the school, classroom and playground access has been adapted for physical disability, and there is an accessible toilet. These practical arrangements matter alongside teaching support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Suffolk County Council’s school admissions route by the normal deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

Wren Chicks already brings nursery and Reception children together in one class. That shared setting is part of the daily experience; it does not secure admission to the next stage.

Ten sessions run across Monday to Friday: mornings are 8.45am to 11.45am and afternoons are 11.45am to 3.15pm. Nursery term dates match the primary school’s. Application forms come from the school office, which can also arrange a visit.

The funded offer comprises 15 hours, with an additional 15 hours for some eligible 3-year-olds. Additional sessions can be paid for where funding does not cover attendance. Ask the school for current session and meal charges.

Use the pre-school playground entrance for drop-off. Collection must be by an adult named in advance with parental permission. Bring labelled spare clothes and wellies, plus winter hats and gloves or a summer sunhat. Clothing children can manage themselves supports independence with dressing and toileting.