Thongsley Fields Nursery Review

Little Acorns gives play room to spread outdoors: the nursery has garden space and its own Forest School area. This is the nursery at Thongsley Fields Primary and Nursery School in Huntingdon, accepting children from their third birthday. Families can choose 15-hour or 30-hour places, with extra paid sessions dependent on space.

A qualified teacher works full time in the nursery alongside teaching assistants. In April 2025, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play combines children’s choices with activities directed by adults. The nursery aims to build independence through that balance, giving children opportunities to follow an interest as well as practise something new. Its Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum brings together language, relationships, physical skills, early reading and writing, mathematics, understanding the world and creative expression.

The detail makes those broad areas tangible. Children explore stories and make marks that gradually carry meaning; counting involves matching a number to each object, while shape work introduces size and simple forms. Music, role play and art give children other ways to express an idea. Conversation matters throughout: communication and language are a particular nursery priority because they support other learning.

Garden access extends learning beyond the rooms. Outdoor learning runs throughout the year, combining planned activities with discoveries prompted by weather and seasonal changes. Forest School is part of this outdoor provision. It gives children a setting in which to notice change, explore and develop physical skills alongside their indoor play.

Picture books also travel home. Children can choose familiar stories repeatedly, and parents use a Reading Record to share how reading together has gone. This connects nursery learning with a manageable home routine.

Settling begins before the first session. Families are encouraged to visit together, and the team aims to arrange a home visit, although this may not happen before a mid-term start. Interests, home languages, medical needs and toileting are among the topics discussed, helping staff understand the child before routines begin.

A staggered start gradually extends attendance. The pace can change through discussion with parents, so children who need longer can build up more slowly. Tapestry lets families see and contribute to records of progress, alongside consultations in autumn and spring.

Each session includes fruit or vegetables and milk; children bring plain water. Those staying all day bring a healthy packed lunch. Nuts, sweets and fizzy drinks are excluded. Staff support children who are still learning to use the toilet, with parents supplying pull-ups and wipes where needed.

For additional needs, the class teacher is the first contact and can involve the SENDCo. Support can include smaller groups or specialist advice. The school warns that access to external services can take several months, making early discussion useful. The Nursery Lead also holds a deputy safeguarding role.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Cambridgeshire’s local authority admissions portal. The usual application window runs from September to January; parents should follow the deadline for their entry year.

For September 2027 entry, attendance at a Trust nursery gives fifth priority when primary places are oversubscribed, after the care, sibling and catchment categories ahead of it. This is priority, not an automatic transfer or promise of a place.

Transition support is separate from allocation. Once a school place is offered, children can make informal summer-term visits to become familiar with their new setting. Where useful, a photo leaflet introduces the classroom and adults, giving families something concrete to revisit over summer.

Morning sessions run from 8.40am to 11.40am, afternoons from noon to 3pm, and full days from 8.40am to 3pm. Flexible arrangements depend on availability. For 15 hours, preferred patterns are five mornings, five afternoons or two and a half consecutive days.

Funding starts from the term after a child’s third birthday. Eligible families can use 30-hour childcare funding; paid places before funding begins and additional paid sessions are also offered. Contact the school office for current charges, nursery enquiries or a visit on 01480 375321.

Uniform combines grey bottoms, a white polo shirt and a navy sweatshirt, with sturdy black shoes. Nursery children do not need a PE kit. Clothes that children can manage independently help with toileting.