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Nursery at Hadleigh Community Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Weekly woodland learning and conversation over snacks give Hedgehogs Nursery its character. This is Hadleigh Community Primary School’s own nursery on Station Road, with access to the school’s forest area. Outdoor sessions involve all nursery children, making time among the trees part of their learning rather than an occasional outing.
In January 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Language runs through the day. Snack Chat gives children a subject to discuss while they eat, and adults help them develop ideas through play and questions. Activities take account of children’s interests and what they need to learn next. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together communication, physical development, relationships and early learning: here, that means practical experiences as well as preparation for reading and counting.
Super Sounds develops listening through environmental and instrumental sounds before moving towards rhyme and spoken blending. Number songs sit alongside comparing quantities and exploring shapes. These are foundations children can practise through sound, movement and play.
Small movements get deliberate attention too. Dough Disco, Finger Gym and Squiggle While you Wiggle accompany activities involving squeezing, pouring and cutting. Weekly PE uses beanbags, hoops and balls, giving children opportunities to practise movement and coordination. Music also has weekly sessions.
Forest School adds climbing, balancing and learning to handle tools safely. In January 2026, nursery woodland sessions continued despite the weather, helping children practise cooperation. Across early years, spaces supported independent exploration, while familiar routines and relationships helped children feel settled enough to learn.
Starting nursery includes induction sessions, with Stay and Play providing another opportunity for families to participate. Early years transition arrangements offer a visit with a parent and a booklet containing photographs of the surroundings. Staff also aim to meet children in their existing setting and speak with their keyworker, helping carry useful knowledge into the new setting.
Tapestry connects families with nursery learning. Early years staff share children’s progress and ideas parents can use at home. Toilet training, healthy eating and oral hygiene are included in the nursery curriculum, putting everyday independence alongside classroom learning. Nursery Lunch Club runs from 11.30am to 12.30pm.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the assistant SENCO also teaches in the nursery four days a week and has undertaken Suffolk training for early years SEN coordination. Nursery inclusion funding can be sought for emerging needs and is reviewed each term. Families can discuss needs with the SENCO or assistant SENCO before a child starts, so transition and support can be planned together.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions route and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year. For 2025/2026 entry, Suffolk’s route was online at www.suffolk.gov.uk/admissions, with CAF1 as the paper alternative. Confirm the route and deadline for your child’s entry year.
Transition support is a separate matter. Nursery learning includes preparation for moving into school, and staff pass information about children’s SEND support to their next teachers. Transition booklets can be shared through Tapestry or Seesaw, helping families prepare for a change of class.
Five three-hour mornings are the preferred booking pattern, funded through the 15-hour universal early education entitlement. The minimum is three morning sessions. Families can request afternoon sessions towards 30 hours, either through eligible funded childcare or additional paid sessions. Ask the school for current charges.
Early Birds and Owls Club extend care from 7.40am, with collection at 4.30pm or 5.45pm. Nursery children share a dedicated wraparound team with Reception and Year One, with age-appropriate toys, games and crafts. Booking is through Arbor at least 16 hours ahead; wraparound drop-off and collection use the main blue school gates.
Return the nursery application to the school office with your child’s passport or birth certificate.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process, by the deadline for the relevant entry year.
Yes. Five mornings are preferred, but the minimum is three morning sessions.
Yes. All nursery children take part in weekly outdoor learning in the school’s forest area.
Yes. Early Birds and Owls Club provide care from 7.40am, with collection at 4.30pm or 5.45pm. Book through Arbor at least 16 hours in advance.
Families can meet the SENCO or assistant SENCO to discuss their child’s needs and plan transition. Nursery inclusion funding can be sought for emerging needs and is reviewed termly.
