Hale Nursery & Primary Academy Nursery Review

Bumblebees, Caterpillars and Ladybirds give Hale’s nursery its three distinct attendance patterns, with a full week or a split-week place shaping the child’s routine. This is the nursery within Hale Nursery & Primary Academy on Upper Hale Road in Farnham. Provision includes two-year-olds as well as children aged three and four. Places for two-year-olds are limited.

Language develops through interaction here. At the March 2024 inspection, adults in the early years were found to demonstrate language through supportive conversations, while the learning environment had resources that supported children’s emotional growth and learning. That gives everyday exchanges with staff an educational purpose, alongside helping children develop socially.

The Early Years Foundation Stage centres largely on learning through play. Early reading also begins in this phase: in March 2024, phonics had a positive start in the early years. For parents, the emphasis is on play, communication and the beginnings of reading rather than school test results.

For a child with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle. An individual SEND Support Arrangements Plan identifies the help to be provided, its intended outcomes, who will deliver it and its duration. Parents take part in formal reviews each term, giving them a regular opportunity to discuss what is working and what needs to change.

The SENCO coordinates individual SEND provision with teaching staff. Families can raise concerns with the class teacher first or contact the SENCO at senco@hale.kite.academy. SEND coffee mornings provide another opportunity for advice. The main school building has wheelchair access and an accessible toilet.

Communication about support. In March 2024, some families across the school were unclear about their children’s SEND support, and external help had sometimes been delayed. Parents arranging support should agree how progress and any delays will be communicated.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For September 2027 entry, it gives no admissions priority: families must submit a separate application to their home local authority by 15th January 2027. A sibling attending only the attached nursery does not establish sibling priority either. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.

Familiarity can still help with the change. Hale says nursery children who subsequently join the school already know staff and surroundings. Where additional transition support is needed, children may have extra visits before starting Reception or use transition booklets over the summer. These support preparation; they do not affect allocation of places.

Bumblebees attend Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm. Caterpillars attend full days on Monday and Tuesday, then Wednesday from 9am to noon. Ladybirds begin with Wednesday noon to 3pm, followed by full days on Thursday and Friday. The split-week patterns give families a fixed arrangement to plan around.

Hale offers both 15-hour and 30-hour provision. Its three-year-old entitlement covers 15 hours over 38 weeks, beginning in the term after the third birthday. FEET funding provides 15 hours for eligible two-year-olds whose families receive certain benefits or have significant need.

Nursery enquiries go to admissions@hale.kite.academy or 01252 716729. Families can arrange a nursery tour before registering or accepting a place. Wraparound care. The Haven excludes nursery pupils, so its breakfast and after-school sessions cannot extend this nursery day.