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Nursery at Whitfield CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A running track, bikes and a sandpit give Little Lapwings a distinctly outdoor character. Whitfield CofE Primary School’s nursery provision sits within its early years group, with play moving between indoor space and the grounds. The woodland and Outdoor Classroom are used throughout the year, making nature part of the learning day rather than an occasional outing.
There is an important balance for parents to weigh. Ofsted’s January 2026 inspection judged early years Needs attention, with weaknesses in early reading and writing alongside strong relationships between staff, children and families. Outdoor opportunities and attentive care need to be considered alongside those foundational learning concerns.
Play shapes the Little Lapwings day. Children can move freely between inside and outside, ride bikes, dig in the sandpit and use the running track. Weekly outdoor lessons draw on Forest School activities, while the onsite woodland gives children a setting for exploring nature. In January 2026, early years activities included searching for bugs and enjoying Goldilocks and the Three Bears among the trees. Stories have a physical setting here.
The Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework guides learning, with an early years programme that runs over one year. In practical terms, the activities include developing communication, early reading, writing and hand control. Read Write Inc. is the school’s phonics programme. Teaching staff have over 20 years’ experience in early learning.
The January 2026 findings make the teaching priorities clear. The early years curriculum was newly introduced and had yet to become established. Sorting materials with tweezers developed fine motor control effectively, but children sometimes lacked suitable chunky pencils, affecting their grip and the formation of letters and numbers. Phonics moved too slowly, and both adults and children sometimes made errors when saying letter sounds. Changes to writing provision had not yet demonstrated an impact. Staff needed higher expectations and activities that stretched children’s early reading and writing skills further.
Settling was a strength in January 2026. New nursery children adjusted readily and became absorbed in activities, while vulnerable children received especially attentive care. Staff supported spoken language and communication effectively. A toothbrush station also brought oral health into everyday learning, giving care routines a concrete place in the provision.
Cooked lunches and packed lunches are both options. School meals include vegetarian and meat choices, with menus sent home so families can decide together beforehand. That gives parents a practical role in planning lunch.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities, the school aims to identify needs early and include children throughout the curriculum. Support services include the Speech, Language and Communication Team, Autism Support Service and Sensory Support Team. The SEND coordinator can be reached on 01434 345 267 or at head@whitfieldprimary.uk.
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. Choosing Little Lapwings for its day-to-day provision should therefore be a separate decision from securing a school place.
Little Lapwings operates on weekdays during term time, with morning, afternoon and all-day sessions. Breakfast Club runs daily from 8.00 to 8.45, and nursery children can include it within their morning session as funded or charged provision. After-School Club operates Monday to Thursday, from 3.30 until 5pm, with activities, a snack and a drink.
Wraparound care can count towards nursery children’s Free Entitlement allocation of 15 or 30 hours. Club bookings use the Dojo App. Breakfast cancellations require notice by the previous evening to avoid charges; collection after 5pm may also attract a charge. Contact the school for current charges.
Enquiries go to admin@whitfieldprimary.uk or 01434 345267. The school’s clothing list includes Wellington boots and a coat that protects against wind and rain, practical equipment for a provision that uses its outdoor spaces year-round.
Morning, afternoon and all-day sessions are available on weekdays in term time.
Children can ride bikes, use the running track and dig in the sandpit. They also learn in the woodland and Outdoor Classroom throughout the year.
Yes. Wraparound care can form part of nursery children’s 15 or 30 Free Entitlement hours. Breakfast Club is included within the nursery morning session as funded or charged provision.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process.
The January 2026 Ofsted inspection judged early years Needs attention. Early reading, pencil grip and letter formation needed improvement, while settling and relationships with families were strengths.
