Little Acorns Nursery at Burley Gate CofE Primary School

A garden explored in all weathers gives Little Acorns its clearest character. This is Burley Gate CofE Primary School’s own nursery provision in Burley Gate, Herefordshire, with a nursery playground as well as the garden. Outdoor activity has several forms here, from digging to cycling, giving families a concrete picture of the play on offer.

The school describes the indoor nursery space as light and calm. Alongside that room, the separate outdoor areas give children places to make things, move and explore.

The playground supports construction, creative activity, cycling and digging. These are practical opportunities to handle materials and try ideas through play. The garden adds exploration in different weather, so outdoor experience extends beyond fair-weather play.

Forest School includes children aged 2 to 11 across the school. The school aims to help children connect with nature and develop spirituality through these sessions. For nursery families, this adds a named outdoor approach alongside the nursery’s playground and garden activities.

At the Ofsted inspection on 1 May 2024, early-years reading began with a sequenced phonics approach, introducing letters and sounds step by step. This gives early reading an organised progression alongside the physical and creative play described above.

The same May 2024 inspection linked children’s positive start in early years with relationships that staff established promptly. Familiar adults matter when young children are beginning to spend time away from home.

For additional needs, the school’s support process starts with a conversation with the class teacher, with the special educational needs and disabilities coordinator involved as needed. Parents contribute to discussions about strengths, difficulties and the next steps. Support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle, giving families a process for considering whether an adjustment is helping.

Visual timetables, adapted resources and extra processing time are among the school’s adjustments. Speech and Language Therapists and Educational Psychologists are external partners, allowing support to draw on specialist advice where needed.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and confers no priority for September 2027 entry. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority using the common application form, with an online deadline of 15 January 2027. Choose the nursery for the experience it offers now, while keeping that application separate.

For children with SEND moving between settings, the school agrees information sharing with parents and children. That concerns continuity of support; it does not alter admission priority.

Free nursery taster sessions offer children an opportunity to play before a family makes its choice. Ask a staff member about these sessions. School tours can also be arranged by contacting the school.

For nursery enquiries, telephone 01432 820 367 or email admin@burleygate.hereford.sch.uk. These give families a direct contact route for Little Acorns.