East Brent Church of England First School Nursery Review

Brent Knoll and Ralph's Wood give East Brent Pre-School a day that reaches beyond the school grounds. Children join from age two and remain until they start Reception, with outdoor play and village walks forming part of their experience. This is the nursery provision at East Brent Church of England First School, on Church Road in East Brent.

The pre-school operates within the academy grounds. Its links with the school include shared activities and access to the Reception playground each day, so children have opportunities to become familiar with school spaces while still following their own early years programme.

Play is the starting point. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum uses Development Matters, with an emphasis on communication, physical development and learning to manage feelings and relationships. Literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and creative work sit alongside those foundations. For a young child, that means learning through activities shaped around their interests and developmental needs.

A rolling programme runs over two years, with themes adapted as children's interests change. Staff use questions beginning with I wonder to prompt exploration. The keyworker also plans activities around individual interests, connecting the curriculum with what captures a child's attention rather than relying solely on a fixed theme.

Outside, children can explore and play in a garden as well as use the Reception playground. Trips into the surrounding area include Brent Knoll, the local park and Ralph's Wood. These give learning about the world a concrete setting: the places children explore are part of their own village. In March 2025, Ofsted found that children in the early years, including pre-school, were learning both independent working and cooperative play.

Each child has a keyworker who supports the family, plans activities and liaises with external agencies when needed. The wider team shares responsibility for the children. That gives parents an individual contact alongside support from other staff, with conversations about children's interests, progress and well-being forming part of the partnership.

The team includes a pre-school manager, deputy manager and a practitioner who also works in wraparound care. Paediatric first aid training is identified among pre-school staff. Families with concerns about additional needs can contact the school's SENDCo through the office. In March 2025, the early years staff, including those in pre-school, provided effective help with children's speech and language development.

Breakfast care includes toast and a drink; after pre-school, children receive a snack and drink. The longer morning session includes lunchtime, making it a distinct option for families who want their child to stay beyond the shorter morning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing nursery and applying for school as separate decisions.

Shared activities with Reception children and use of their playground provide practical familiarity. Transition activities also involve pre-school children and their families. These experiences support preparation for the change of setting; they do not secure admission.

Sessions run Monday to Friday during term time. Families can choose mornings from 9am to noon or 9am to 1pm, afternoons from noon to 3pm, or a whole day from 9am to 3pm. A charged 3.15pm finish is an option for children with a sibling at the school.

Breakfast starts at either 7.45am or 8.15am. After pre-school care finishes at 4.30pm every day, with a 5.15pm option on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Pre-school staff also support this care. Booking forms and current charges come from the school office.

Eligible two-year-olds can claim up to 15 funded hours a week; three-year-olds can receive up to 30, depending on household status. Funding requires a valid eligibility code through Childcare Choices, and the office helps with applications and funding forms. Some childcare vouchers are accepted. To enquire or arrange a visit, phone the office on 01278 760490 or pre-school directly on 01278 551247.