First Friends Pre School at Neroche Primary School

All-weather outdoor learning and sessions aligned with the school day give First Friends Pre School its practical character. This is Neroche Primary School’s provision for children aged two to four in Broadway, Ilminster. There are 40 children on the pre-school roll: that is an attendance figure, rather than a measure of available places.

The inspection on 8 and 9 October 2024 judged early years provision Requires improvement. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. It matters here because the concerns included how learning develops from pre-school onwards, alongside the quality of adults’ conversations with children.

Rhymes and songs give a concrete picture of early learning. In October 2024, pre-school children took part by listening and joining in, bringing spoken language into shared activities. Children also adapted promptly to unfamiliar routines. These are useful foundations for participating in a group and becoming familiar with the nursery day.

Outdoor learning takes place whatever the weather. A waterproof coat is needed daily, with wellies useful to keep at pre-school and a sunhat and suncream for sunny weather. Clothes need to cope with messy activities. For parents, the practical consequence is straightforward: dress children for active learning rather than clothes that need to stay clean.

The early years foundation stage needs a clear learning sequence, so activities build children’s knowledge and skills over time. In October 2024, that sequence was insufficiently developed across the early years. Some activities were less effective than they needed to be, and some adults missed chances to extend children’s language and vocabulary. These weaknesses meant some children lacked the vocabulary needed for their next step and were not as well prepared for Year 1 as they should have been. Children’s enjoyment was a positive finding, but families should weigh it alongside the weaknesses in curriculum planning and adult interaction.

Lunch can be a hot meal, booked ahead through MCAS (My child at school app), with a main course and pudding. It is an optional charged extra. Children staying all day or joining at noon need a packed lunch if they have not booked the hot option. Snacks are supplied, and a named water bottle lets children drink during the day.

Spare clothes, including underwear and socks, should come in a labelled bag for accidents. This is a practical part of preparing a young child for the session.

For concerns about additional needs, the first conversation is with the child’s teacher; the school’s SEND coordinator can also be reached at sendco@neroche.bep.ac. Where a family needs support beyond the school’s own provision, Neroche works with other agencies through Somerset’s Early Help framework. That provides a route for coordinating help around the family.

Attending First Friends does not guarantee a Reception place at Neroche. Families must make a separate application through Somerset County Council. Choosing the pre-school and applying for school are distinct decisions, so nursery attendance should never be treated as a secured place for the next stage.

First Friends operates on weekdays during term time, opening at 8:30am and closing at 3:30pm. Morning sessions run from 9:00am to noon; afternoons run from noon to 3:00pm. An early start and a late leave each add half an hour around those sessions, helping families coordinate children attending different classes.

For three- and four-year-olds, breakfast club runs from 7:35am to 8:30am. Afternoon extended provision starts at 3:30pm, with either a 4:30pm or 5:30pm finish. The age restriction matters when planning care for a younger child.

School uniform is optional, although First Friends encourages its green T-shirt or jumper. Shoes should have closed toes and fastenings children can manage themselves. For enquiries and current charges, contact the school office on 01460 52664 or school@neroche.bep.ac.