Muddy Boots Nursery at Burghill Community Academy

Early reading begins in Muddy Boots, with a structured phonics programme running from Nursery onwards. This is Burghill Community Academy’s own pre-school, on the academy site and operated by Orchard Multi-Academy Trust. Its school connection gives the provision a clear identity, while nursery attendance and school admission remain separate decisions.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 28 and 29 January 2025. That judgement covers early years within the academy; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Sounds, conversation and creative exploration give the early learning programme its shape. In January 2025, phonics began in Nursery, introducing letters and sounds in a planned sequence. Resources were used consistently to support that sequence. For parents, the useful distinction is that early reading has an organised starting point rather than relying only on incidental exposure to letters.

Talking matters too. Adults help early years children explain their thinking aloud and choose vocabulary accurately, giving them practice in putting ideas into words. Established routines also help children develop social skills. These are everyday foundations for learning alongside other children.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) includes opportunities to explore materials and express ideas. Drawing, craft and painting feature in the academy’s early years art programme, with Kapow Primary guiding activities. Children experiment with texture and colour, then talk about what they have made: creative work becomes another opportunity for conversation.

Kapow Computing takes a different form in early years. Activities centre on play and tasks that need no computer, with listening, curiosity and problem solving as their focus. Computing here therefore includes thinking through a task, rather than simply using a screen.

Relationships provide continuity alongside those routines. In January 2025, staff built positive connections with children from early years onwards. For a young child, familiar adults and predictable routines provide a useful foundation for joining in.

Across the academy, the pastoral team supports children and families with worries, including anxiety, friendships and behaviour. Trained Thrive practitioners also offer family guidance. The school uses ARC, meaning Attachment, Regulation and Competency, to understand behaviour and teach ways to manage emotions.

SEND support across the school includes small-group work, adapted teaching and individual assistance where appropriate. Speech and Language Therapists and the Autism Outreach Team are among its specialist partners. Progress reviews include feedback to parents and carers, keeping families involved in the support process.

Attending Muddy Boots does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate online application through Herefordshire Council. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027, or the nearest working day after.

Nursery attendance may confer sixth-priority consideration for that intake, provided the child has attended for at least one full academic year starting in September 2026. Within this category, children attending more sessions each week rank higher. Where session numbers match, the shortest walking distance decides the order. This is conditional priority, not an offer of a place.

Breakfast club starts at 7:45 for nursery children and includes breakfast. This gives families an earlier start before the school day. Across the school, after-school club bookings run until 16:30 or 17:30, with a 17:00 finish on Fridays, and include a snack.

Advance club booking is encouraged, although the school tries to accommodate changes at short notice. Late collection may attract an additional session charge. Contact the school office on 01432 760240 for club bookings and nursery enquiries, and refer to the school for current charges.