St James' Nursery, Alderholt

Daily woodland time gives St James' Nursery its character. Children aged 2-4 have mature woods to explore, with Forest School shaping the outdoor experience rather than being an occasional extra. This is the nursery at St James' Church of England First School and Nursery in Alderholt, with full-time and part-time bookings during term time.

The practical appeal is the combination of outdoor learning and extended hours. Families can choose shorter sessions or a full day, although Friday finishes earlier than the other weekdays. That distinction matters when matching nursery care to work commitments.

Children help determine the direction of their learning. Staff watch their play, introduce ideas and extend what interests them. Forest School adds opportunities to handle tools, recognise behavioural boundaries and think about risk, giving children practical decisions to make alongside their exploration.

The outdoor spaces offer different kinds of activity: a mud kitchen and messy play area, a garden, sand and water play, plus the field, playground and woods. Daily time in the woodland gives children room to investigate through their senses. Indoors, the classroom takes its cues from the outdoor environment, and activities respond to children's interests and developmental stages. Adults teach through their interactions during play.

Early reading begins in the nursery with listening to sounds and introductory phonics. In March 2023, Ofsted found that this was taught enjoyably and at a level suited to children's ages. It gives early literacy a place alongside the practical, child-led activities.

Meals bring children together. Forerunner supplies hot lunches, and staff share the lunchtime table with children. Conversation, table manners and doing things independently are part of the experience. Optional breakfast takes place in the main school alongside children from across the school and nursery; an optional light tea accompanies the later session.

Fruit and vegetables feature in snacks. Children can reach their water bottles during sessions and are encouraged to pour milk and water themselves. Staff have allergy training and can develop healthcare plans with families where needed. The nursery accommodates dietary needs, supports weaning and breastfeeding, and operates a nut-free rule.

Home communication includes Tapestry, a password-protected learning journal containing staff observations and photographs. Half-termly family events include stay-and-play opportunities, Harvest celebrations and Forest School activities, giving parents ways to take part as well as follow learning remotely. Before a child starts, families can meet the caring staff on a personal tour and have a follow-up telephone conversation with the headteacher about the start in nursery.

Attending St James' Nursery does not guarantee a place in the school's Reception. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate: families must apply again through the normal Reception application process by its deadline. Treat the nursery choice as a decision about the child's nursery experience, and plan the Reception application separately.

Term-time opening runs from 7.45am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and from 7.45am to 3pm on Friday. Morning sessions run from 9am to noon; afternoons run from noon to 3pm and require lunch. There are also breakfast, early drop-off and late tea sessions. The nursery aims to tailor bookings to family needs.

Funding includes 15 hours for all three- and four-year-olds and qualifying two-year-olds, with 30 hours available to eligible working families. Optional breakfast and light tea are charged separately and cannot be paid for through early education funding; families book them each term. Fruit-based snacks and milk are included in fees. Contact the school for current charges.

For enquiries or a personal tour, telephone 01425 653063 or email office@alderholt.dorset.sch.uk.