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Nursery at Churchfield Church 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Learning to listen, answer adults and speak in sentences gives Churchfield's nursery its everyday focus. Personal and emotional development takes precedence, alongside movement and communication. This is the nursery provision at Churchfield Church School on Burnham Road in Highbridge, with care that includes two- and three-year-olds.
The March 2026 Ofsted judgement for early years was Needs attention. That matters here: activities engage children, but language teaching needs greater consistency so that children gain the communication skills intended for them.
Morning and afternoon sessions offer shorter stretches of nursery, while a full day runs from 8.30am to 2.30pm. The learning emphasis is on the foundations of joining in: responding to adults, listening and putting thoughts into sentences. These are practical skills children can use throughout a session.
Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), activities cover the different areas of early learning, with personal, social and emotional development given priority in Nursery. Communication and physical development also receive attention. In March 2026, activities caught children's interest and care suited their ages, including the younger children.
Language teaching. Staff did not have a sufficiently clear sequence of words to teach at each stage. Some therefore lacked clarity about the vocabulary to use with children, and some children's communication developed less than it should. Consistent teaching and checking of those words is the specific improvement needed. Teachers in early years also did not consistently help children close learning gaps promptly.
Relationships with families and outside specialists were a positive part of early years provision in March 2026. Parents welcomed their children's introduction to education in the early years. These partnerships give families a route to contribute to discussions about their child's development.
For concerns about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the first conversation is with the class teacher; appointments with the SEND coordinator can be arranged through the office. Support follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review, with parents contributing to targets and reviews held at least termly. This gives families regular points to discuss whether support is helping.
The school site has an accessible lift, a fixed hoist and an accessible toilet. Breakfast and snacks are included, while nursery lunches carry a separate charge.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admission priority at Churchfield. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority's Common Application Form. For entry in September 2027, submit it before 15 January 2027.
When places are oversubscribed, priority is based on looked-after or previously looked-after status, a sibling attending the school at application, then proximity to the school. Nursery attendance is not a criterion. Choose nursery for the experience it provides now.
Transition support is a separate matter. Children starting Reception with known needs have an entry planning meeting involving parents and professionals to prepare their support.
Choose a morning session from 8.30am to 11.30am, an afternoon from 11.30am to 2.30pm, or a full day from 8.30am to 2.30pm. Nursery wraparound extends the available care window to 8am–4pm. Care must be reserved and paid for at least 48 hours ahead; wraparound bookings use ParentPay. Build that advance booking requirement into changing work schedules.
Universal funding provides up to 15 hours each week in term time from the term following a child's third birthday. Eligible families can receive up to 30 weekly hours in term time, starting from nine months where children of that age are accepted. Funding other than universal provision requires confirmation before the child starts, otherwise charges apply. Families must reconfirm funding each term.
Contact the school office on 01278 782743 or office@churchfield.bwmat.org for nursery enquiries and current charges. Six weeks' notice by email is required when parents end a nursery contract. Late collection can also incur a charge, so the session end time needs to work for the collecting adult.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, afternoons from 11.30am to 2.30pm, and full days from 8.30am to 2.30pm.
Yes. Nursery wraparound care covers 8am–4pm. Book and pay through ParentPay at least 48 hours in advance.
No. Attendance neither guarantees a place nor confers admission priority at Churchfield. Apply separately through your home local authority; the deadline for September 2027 entry is before 15 January 2027.
Breakfast and snacks are included. Nursery lunch is charged separately; contact the school for current charges.
Early years was judged Needs attention in March 2026. The main early years improvement concerned consistent vocabulary teaching and checking that children learn the intended words.
