Rushmere Hall Primary School Nursery

Language, movement and outdoor learning shape the nursery at Rushmere Hall Primary School. This is provision for children who turn four during the current academic year, within the school on Lanark Road in Ipswich. Its early years spaces include large classrooms and two outdoor areas specifically for early years children. There is room for learning beyond the table.

The nursery has its own class teacher within an early years team. Rushmere Hall aims to develop independence, curiosity and creativity alongside the skills children need for later learning. That gives the nursery a clear educational purpose: personal development and preparation for school sit together.

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum gives language and communication a central role. Vocabulary is displayed beside activities, and adults demonstrate language as they talk with children. This connects new words with what children are doing, rather than treating vocabulary as a separate exercise.

Movement also has a deliberate place in learning. Children work on control of their larger muscles as well as the smaller movements needed for handling tools and pencils. Opportunities to practise grip, coordinate hands and eyes, and strengthen fingers connect physical development with the beginnings of writing. The focus extends beyond pencil work.

Indoor and outdoor provision supports the school's aims for imagination and independence. Spacious classrooms and outdoor learning areas provide the physical setting for that approach. Across the curriculum, Rushmere Hall uses carefully chosen books to support learning and aims to make experiences memorable through visitors, trips and themed days.

For children needing additional language support, small groups sit alongside more individual help. After diagnostic assessment, a specialist Speech and Language Support Assistant works with a Speech Therapist to provide individual sessions. The distinction matters: support can respond to a child's particular communication needs.

Families can also draw on the school's Early Help Offer. Its team includes a SENCo, a Family Liaison Worker and Inclusion Team Workers, providing routes to discuss concerns affecting a child or family. Parents considering provision for a child with special educational needs must visit and meet the SENCo before applying, allowing needs and the school's provision to be discussed together.

Communication uses MCAS for school letters and messages. Parents can speak with the class teacher at collection or drop-off, or telephone the school. On the wider school site, the kitchen works with The Pantry, and lunches are prepared that morning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet its deadline. Suffolk County Council processes applications for entry at the start of Reception; the nursery application is handled by the school. Keep those two applications distinct when planning the next stage.

Nursery applications use the NAF1 form, with printable and editable versions that can be returned to the school. For enquiries, email rhps-office@ekotrust.org.uk or call 01473 726 027. Prospective parent tours can be arranged, giving families an opportunity to look around before applying.

Wraparound eligibility. The school's breakfast and after-school clubs cater for Reception through to Year 6. Families choosing the nursery should therefore plan childcare around the nursery arrangement rather than relying on those clubs.