Brent Knoll Church of England Primary School Nursery

Language, independence and learning alongside other children give Brent Knoll’s early years provision its character. In 2021, the school and Wessex Learning Trust introduced provision catering for children aged two and three, bringing younger children into the school’s early learning sequence. This is school-attached provision, with nursery learning considered alongside what children have already experienced in pre-school.

In September 2023, Ofsted found that children in the early years made a positive start, developing confidence and independence. For parents choosing an early introduction to school life, those findings give a concrete reason to look closely at the provision: the emphasis extends beyond learning facts to becoming comfortable learning with others.

Communication is a clear focus. In September 2023, early years staff gave weight to children’s language development and their ability to relate to other people. Children interacted confidently and showed independence. For a young child, that combination matters: expressing an idea and joining in with others are part of being able to participate in learning.

Books also have a place in the early years learning experience. Developing children’s interest in reading starts here, with carefully chosen books used as learning resources. The emphasis is on making books part of children’s education from the beginning, giving reading a place before the later demands of formal schooling.

Continuity matters too. In September 2023, learning in Nursery built successfully on children’s pre-school experience. That gives the nursery curriculum a useful direction: recognising earlier learning and taking it forward, rather than treating each stage as a fresh start.

Responsibility for children’s welfare extends across the school team. Teaching staff and colleagues in other roles must act on concerns about a child’s safety, reporting and referring them. The child protection structure includes a lead officer and a deputy, giving staff defined roles for passing on concerns.

The school’s approach combines preventive teaching and pastoral support with procedures for responding to concerns and support for children who have experienced abuse. For families, the practical significance is that child protection involves both everyday awareness and a route for action when an issue arises.

Reception requires a separate application. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal school admissions process and meet the applicable deadline; choosing nursery provision should be a decision about the child’s early years experience.

The school admissions route is through Somerset Direct or Somerset’s online admissions service. Keep that application separate from nursery attendance: continuity in a child’s learning is an educational consideration, while allocation of a school place is a separate decision.

School visits can be arranged by appointment with the headteacher. This gives families an opportunity to consider the facilities before making their choice. Contact the school office on 01278 760546 or email office@brentknoll.somerset.sch.uk to make an enquiry or arrange the next step.