St Francis Special School Nursery Review

Small learning steps and individual communication systems shape the approach at St Francis. Its nursery provision sits within a special school in Fareham that caters for children with severe and profound learning difficulties. The emphasis is on each child's learning priorities, with a personalised pathway rather than a single pace for the class.

St Francis forms a federation with Heathfield School. The two schools occupy neighbouring sites, giving this early years provision a wider specialist context. Communication and independence are explicit federation aims, relevant to families whose child's progress may depend on learning to express a choice or complete a practical task.

Learning is broken into small steps. Across St Francis, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) shapes teaching, with targets agreed between parents, staff and other professionals. That gives families a role in deciding which skills matter for their child. The federation curriculum includes an Early Years pathway, alongside pathways adapted to different learning needs.

Read, Write Inc begins in Early Years, with adaptations for individual ability and age. The focus is therefore on an appropriate starting point for reading and writing, rather than assuming children are ready for the same activities. In June 2023, children in early years followed personalised curriculum pathways linked to education, health and care plan targets.

Communication support across the federation includes gestures, Makaton and boards using pictures or symbols. For some pupils, TEACCH brings visual schedules and individual work bays into learning. These provide concrete ways to organise tasks and support independence; their use depends on individual needs and professional judgement.

Outdoor learning has a named setting: Heathfield's Forest School serves pupils across the federation. It uses a designated natural site, with trained staff and a high adult ratio. Its purpose includes developing communication, physical skills and confidence through learning beyond the classroom.

Preparation starts with the family. Before admission, parents are encouraged to bring their child for a school visit and receive a home visit from the class teacher. An admissions pack gathers information before the child starts, helping staff prepare for their care and safety.

Classes at St Francis are very small, with a teacher supported by several learning support assistants. School staff deliver therapy programmes devised by professionals. The federation also employs a sensory processing occupational therapist, with referrals at the school's discretion; provision directed through an EHC plan requires commissioning and funding by the relevant authority. Support is individual, rather than an automatic entitlement to every intervention.

Chartwells provides school meals. Medical diets have a request process, and children with nut or peanut allergies should be registered with the provider. These arrangements give families a practical way to communicate dietary needs before meals are served.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm your child's next placement arrangements with Hampshire Local Authority and the school.

For St Francis, Hampshire Local Authority makes the final decision about the school named in a child's special educational needs statement. Keep that placement decision separate from settling-in arrangements: a visit or home visit prepares a child for starting, but does not secure their next place.

The school pupil day runs from 9am to 3pm. These are school hours, rather than a nursery session booking offer. General enquiries go to the school office on 01329 512804 or adminoffice@st-francis.hants.sch.uk; office hours are 8:30am to 4pm.

Parents and carers can arrange a school visit by telephone during office hours. This provides an opportunity to consider the specialist setting with their child before admission.