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Nursery at Horncastle 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 wooded area beside the nursery garden gives outdoor exploration a clear place in Horncastle’s nursery day. For children aged 3 and 4, this school nursery combines play indoors and outside with learning built around storybooks. It is part of the school’s early years provision, with nursery and Reception staff working together.
Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 1 and 2 May 2024. Children enjoyed exploring stories and the world around them, with the learning environment organised to support their development.
Choice and adult guidance share the day. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum takes shape through planned activities, children’s own play and time to pursue an activity uninterrupted. Resources are within children’s reach, so they can select what they need rather than wait for an adult to organise everything. Adults extend learning individually or with small groups.
Storybooks provide themes for learning, and each EYFS class has daily storytime. In May 2024, children used Going on a Bear Hunt to work out the sequence of its events. That makes a familiar story an opportunity to think about what happens first and what follows. Learning here reaches beyond listening to a book.
Outdoor play is planned alongside indoor activities. The nursery has a renovated outdoor space, and Forest School takes children into the wooded area adjoining its garden. Preschool children attend weekly; Forest School sessions last at least 1.5 hours and are led by practitioners with Level 3 Forest School training. Suitable footwear and outdoor clothing matter because sessions run in almost all weather. This gives children a regular opportunity to explore and attempt challenges with staff support.
The nursery team works with the school’s SENCO to support children with additional needs. Across early years, staff collaborate around individual children, with classroom support offered individually or in small groups. Parents can discuss SEND questions through inclusion@horncastleprimary.co.uk.
Settling centres on learning familiar routines and expectations. The school describes these as helping children become involved in their activities. A parents’ meeting took place, and introductory Moving Up Day sessions were scheduled for 13 July 2026. Ongoing observations are recorded through Evidence Me, while parent consultations and conversations in person provide opportunities to discuss progress and share achievements from home.
Each session includes a healthy snack. Children attending all day can bring a packed lunch or have a freshly cooked school meal, ordered through Arbor. Ordering is essential: a meal will not be supplied automatically. Nursery children may qualify for free school meals when eligibility has been checked and received by the office. Dietary needs should be registered using the Special Diets eForm or a paper form from the office.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school-place application through the LCC Parent Portal. The annual application window opens in mid November and closes in Mid January, with offers in Mid April. Treat that application as a separate task from booking nursery sessions.
Transition support is a different matter from admission. Nursery staff work with Reception colleagues, and the May 2024 inspection found the move between the two stages carefully planned. Familiarity with the team can support the change of classroom; it does not secure the school place.
Morning sessions run from 8.55am to 11.55am; afternoons run from 12.25pm to 3.25pm. The nursery offers 15 funded hours over 5 sessions and a 30-hour entitlement for working parents. Choices include mornings throughout the week, afternoons throughout the week, full days throughout the week, or patterns combining full days with a Wednesday half-day.
Collection times. The nursery session information gives a 3.25pm afternoon finish, while the school collection timetable gives 3.10pm for nursery. Agree the collection arrangement with the team. Children can be collected only by a named contact.
Breakfast club admits nursery children from 7.45am, and after-school care runs until 6.00pm. Wraparound places require advance booking and payment through Arbor and are subject to capacity. Wraparound care cannot provide one-to-one support; families of children with additional needs should discuss support before booking.
Uniform is encouraged, with a named water bottle, spare clothes and wellies useful for the day. For enquiries or a visit, contact enquiries@horncastleprimary.co.uk or 01507 522662. Nursery applications use a Google Form managed by the school.
The provision is for children aged 3 and 4. Planned entry points are September, January and April, at the start of the term after a child’s third birthday, subject to places.
Children combine self-chosen play with adult-led activities. Storybooks shape learning themes, resources are accessible for independent choices, and preschool children attend Forest School weekly.
Children staying all day can bring a packed lunch or have a freshly cooked school lunch ordered through Arbor. Each nursery session also includes a healthy snack.
No. A separate application is required through the LCC Parent Portal. The annual application window closes in Mid January.
Yes. Breakfast club starts at 7.45am and after-school care continues until 6.00pm. Book and pay in advance through Arbor, subject to space. Wraparound care cannot offer one-to-one support.
