Fenstanton and Hilton Primary School Nursery Review

Popcorn cooked over a Forest School fire pit and children washing up after their own snacks give Fenstanton Pre-School a practical character. Independence is part of the day. The provision belongs to Fenstanton and Hilton Primary School’s Early Years Unit, alongside Reception, and admits children from the term after their third birthday until they move to primary school.

In December 2023, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good. This was an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Birth to 5 Matters guides the curriculum alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent language, EYFS connects learning with care: children develop communication, physical skills and relationships, while also exploring literacy, maths, creativity and the world around them.

Indoor activities reflect children’s interests and the skills they are developing next. Messy play gives sensory exploration a purpose, with opportunities to investigate mathematical ideas and ask scientific questions. Adult guidance sits alongside children choosing their own play. In December 2023, children across the early years participated well in both, with clear routines supporting the day.

A large, enclosed garden provides room to climb, jump and run. Activities outside are also planned around children’s next steps, so the outdoor space carries learning beyond the indoor activities. Once a week, pre-school children join Reception for Forest School in the school grounds. Creating wildlife habitats and making popcorn at the fire pit turn exploration into concrete experiences of the natural world.

Snack time works around play rather than bringing everyone to the table together. Children decide when to pause, select and cut their snack, pour a drink and clean their items afterwards. These small jobs provide repeated practice in looking after themselves. A named water bottle stays accessible in the drinks tray throughout the day.

The Early Years team works across the combined unit, coordinating support as children develop. For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school’s SENCo coordinates individual provision, including support for children with EHC plans; families can contact senco@fenstanton.cambs.sch.uk.

Toilet training. Children are expected to be out of nappies on entry, but families should discuss their circumstances with the pre-school if a special educational need is delaying toilet training. That qualification matters when planning a child’s start.

Attending Fenstanton Pre-School does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year. Cambridgeshire residents apply through the county council; families living elsewhere use their home local authority.

Shared Forest School sessions provide contact with Reception children before the move. That is a transition experience, separate from the allocation of school places.

Three session choices make the timetable straightforward: mornings run from 9am to noon, afternoons from noon to 3pm, and the full day from 9am to 3pm. Opening is Monday to Friday during school terms, following the primary school’s term dates. Families needing holiday care should plan around this term-time pattern.

Funded provision starts in the term following a child’s third birthday. The funding model described is 15 hours a week, rising to 30 for working parents who meet the eligibility criteria. Charges are reviewed annually, and invoices cover a term, with payment either together or in instalments. Persistent late collection attracts a charge. Contact the school for current charges.

For enquiries or a visit, email fenstantonpreschool@fenstanton.cambs.sch.uk or call 01480 375055. Registration uses a reservation form, obtainable online or as a paper copy, returned to the primary school office. Children can join the waiting list at approximately two years old.