Churchdown Parton Manor Infant School Nursery Review

Play, exploration and teaching work together at Churchdown Parton Manor’s pre-school. Children’s next steps shape the learning, giving this school nursery a clear educational purpose from the start. In the Ofsted inspection of 26 and 27 November 2024, early years provision was graded Outstanding. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Pre-School and Family Centre shares the Churchdown site with the Infant and Junior schools. A single governing body and shared school leadership bring those parts together. For parents, the nursery sits within a wider school organisation while retaining its own pre-school staff team and a Pre-school and EYFS Lead.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) experience combines adult teaching with opportunities to investigate and play. In November 2024, children’s learning was shaped by ongoing assessment: teachers worked out what each child needed to tackle next. This makes the balance of activities purposeful. Exploration develops creative thinking and curiosity, while teaching introduces learning that children can then practise.

Phonics begins in pre-school. Children start learning about the sounds used in reading, making early literacy part of their nursery experience. The curriculum also connects pre-school learning with the later infant years, so these first experiences have a place in a longer sequence rather than standing alone.

Learning includes social skills, too. In November 2024, children in early years were developing ways to handle their feelings, work together and wait for a turn. These are practical foundations for joining activities with other children and becoming more independent. The emphasis reaches beyond what a child knows to how they participate.

A Pre-school and EYFS Lead forms part of the leadership team, alongside a separate pre-school staff team. This gives early years a defined role within the school’s staffing structure.

For families dealing with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the Inclusion Lead works across the shared site and can be contacted through the Junior school office. That provides a clear starting point for discussing support. Gloucestershire’s Local Offer brings together information about local help, including support for children who do not have an education, health and care plan.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two decisions: being part of the pre-school does not itself secure the next place.

The Infant school office is the enquiry contact: telephone 01452 712214 or email admin@partonmanorfed.co.uk. Visits to the school can be arranged through the office, giving families a way to see the setting before making their choice.

The shared site is at the end of Craven Drive in Churchdown. For the main entrance, use GL3 2DP in a satnav. This is useful when planning the journey for a visit.