Framlingham Sir Robert Hitcham's Nursery Review

Stories, seasonal nature study and play shape nursery life here. At Framlingham Sir Robert Hitcham's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School on College Road, children can start nursery at the beginning of the term after their third birthday. The provision sits within the school's Foundation team, with mornings forming the main attendance pattern and an optional lunch club extending the day.

Early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection of 20 and 21 June 2023. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Books give the learning a thread. Staff combine stories and activities led by adults with children's own interests, building experiences across the week. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides seven areas of learning: here, its practical expression includes communication, friendship, movement, creative expression and exploring the world. Children have time to pursue their own play, alongside planned teaching.

Supersonic Phonic Friends begins at Phase 1 in nursery. Seasonal Nature Study and Forest School bring the changing year into learning, while early years children have opportunities to take part in Robin Wood. Indoors and outdoors, children can choose from activities planned around their interests and learning needs. The class kitchen also gives children opportunities to cook. These are different ways to explore, talk and practise skills.

In June 2023, adults in early years helped children use accurate sounds when learning to read and used questions to develop their ideas during play. They also corrected misunderstandings promptly. This gives a concrete picture of how adults contribute: they join children's thinking and help it move forward.

Settling is linked to regular attendance in the nursery's approach. It recommends five mornings and considers at least three days a week necessary for children to settle and develop relationships. Families considering fewer sessions are asked to discuss their circumstances with the school. This matters because stories and activities continue across the week.

Zones of Regulation introduces children to understanding emotions. Staff also share learning concerns with parents and involve the special educational needs coordinator where appropriate. Across the school, parents and teachers develop Support Plans together; these are reviewed at least once a term through Assess, Plan, Do Review. Partners supporting additional needs include Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists, as well as Specialist Education Services at Suffolk County Council.

Lunch club brings nursery children into the hall to eat with other children. Families can choose a school dinner or send a packed lunch. Supervision continues through the meal and subsequent indoor or outdoor play.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Suffolk County Council's Admissions team handled the September 2026 Reception intake. Treat choosing a nursery place and applying for school entry as separate decisions.

Drop-off runs from 8.35am to 8.45am, with registration at 8.45am. Morning collection is at the back gate at 11.45am; lunch club collection is there at 1.30pm. Parents can hand children to the Foundation team via the back playground or front office lobby. Late arrivals must be signed in at the office.

Children may receive up to five terms of free part-time early learning. The nursery does not provide 30 hours of funded childcare, but eligible families may use extended hours towards lunch club, up to 8 hours 20 mins. Lunch club is chargeable; contact the school for current charges and use Nursery Enquiries for admission enquiries.

Parking. Family parking is off site, with The Elms public car park behind the school recommended for parents. Allow for the walk when planning collection.