Little Foresters Nursery at Western Downland

Forest School gives Little Foresters its distinctive thread: practical outdoor learning forms part of the nursery experience. This is Western Downland Church of England Aided Primary School’s own nursery, based at Damerham alongside the infants. The nursery class caters for three- and four-year-olds.

Its place within the school matters most through familiar routines and shared expectations. In September 2023, children were learning the habits of school life quickly, with behaviour expectations introduced from the start.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes learning here. In parent terms, that means developing conversation, movement and relationships alongside early literacy, maths, creativity and an understanding of the world. Activities draw on seven learning areas, with language, physical development and social and emotional development providing the starting point. Learning follows children’s interests and individual needs while introducing the knowledge and skills they will use next.

Eight Curriculum Aspirations give this flexible approach a framework. Staff check children’s development at six Milestones during the year and provide additional support when children fall behind. For parents, the useful distinction is that following a child’s interests sits alongside planned checks on progress.

Forest School adds regular learning outdoors. The September 2023 inspection found that weekly sessions began in Nursery and that children were eager to talk about their discoveries in nature. The school’s approach includes practical exploration led by children, solving problems together and learning to judge manageable risks. These experiences give children opportunities to make decisions and cooperate beyond the classroom.

A nursery manager and nursery assistants form the nursery team. For children with additional needs, the school’s SEND coordinator can be contacted through the office or at sendco@westerndownland.hants.sch.uk, giving parents a direct route to discuss support.

Before starting, children are encouraged to visit. Those with SEND are encouraged to make further visits, and the school would also visit their existing setting. That gives settling a practical starting point: time to become familiar with new surroundings, with information carried over from the adults who already know the child.

Physical access. The nursery classroom entrance is not accessible to wheelchair users. This affects planning for families who need step-free access. Contact the office before a visit so access arrangements can be discussed.

Attending Little Foresters does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the 2027/28 oversubscription criteria, so families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Hampshire residents use Hampshire County Council’s Common Application Form; families elsewhere apply through their own council.

Transition practice is a separate benefit. In September 2023, the move from Nursery to Reception was working well because children already understood common routines, including listening attentively and using their carpet place. Familiarity can help with the change of classroom. It does not change how places are allocated.

Nursery enquiries can go to adminoffice@westerndownland.hants.sch.uk. Personal school tours can be arranged through the office, offering a chance to discuss a child’s circumstances with staff.

Breakfast care. The school breakfast club accepts children from Reception through Year 6. Families choosing nursery provision should therefore distinguish that school-age service from their nursery arrangements.