Nursery at Fakenham Infant and Nursery School

Rainbow class gives this school nursery its own identity, with a nursery teacher leading provision alongside nursery assistants. Children aged between 2 and 4 have places in the nursery unit at Fakenham Infant and Nursery School, on Norwich Road in Fakenham. It forms part of the school's larger early years unit.

Language and play are the clearest threads in the provision. Ofsted graded early years provision Good following its September and October 2023 inspection. That judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Adult-led experiences sit alongside activities children choose for themselves. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework: children practise communicating, managing feelings and moving confidently, while exploring early reading, mathematics and the world around them. Play has a learning purpose here.

Counting and exploring shape give mathematics a practical starting point. Books and poems introduce written language; role play, dance, music and art give children different ways to express ideas. Activities also encourage children to observe their surroundings and explore materials, connecting learning with things they can investigate themselves.

In September and October 2023, early years children developed their vocabulary through selected songs, poetry and stories. Exchanges with adults were effective: staff joined play carefully and used questions to extend children's ideas. For parents, the useful distinction is that choosing an activity does not mean learning alone. Adults help children take their thinking further.

The nursery leader combines teaching with an alternate safeguarding role. Nursery assistants form the supporting team, while the school's SEND coordinator provides a route for discussing additional needs. In September and October 2023, two-year-olds received very effective support for their care needs and emotions.

For early years children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school plans to respond promptly to emerging difficulties and listen to parental concerns. Support follows an assess, plan, do, review cycle, with parents informed when special provision is introduced. This makes reviewing a child's needs part of the support process, rather than treating an initial plan as fixed.

Physical access matters too. The school has wheelchair access and accessible toilet and shower facilities. Its nut-free rule excludes foods containing nuts, so families preparing packed lunches need to check ingredients, including spreads and snack bars.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and is not a Reception priority criterion. Nursery admission is separate; families must apply again for Reception through the normal Norfolk County Council admissions process by the applicable deadline. Choosing Rainbow class should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself.

During the term before starting school, children are invited to familiarisation activities and transition sessions. Parents also have an opportunity to ask questions. These arrangements help children prepare for the change; they do not confer an admissions advantage.

Funded and non-funded nursery sessions are offered from the school term following a child's second birthday. This gives families two funding routes, with the same stated starting point.

Visits to the nursery are welcomed. Enquiries go through the school office on 01328 864511 or office@fakenhaminfant.org.uk; families can also use the contact form.