Far Forest Lea Memorial CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Outdoor independence stood out in Far Forest's early years provision at the May 2025 inspection: children were beginning to plan activities outside for themselves, while learning areas indoors and out gave them opportunities to rehearse developing skills. Little Acorns is part of Far Forest Lea Memorial CofE Primary School on New Road in Far Forest, rather than a separate nursery setting.

Provision includes two-year-olds. At the inspection on 20 and 21 May 2025, however, no two-year-olds were registered, an important qualification for families considering the youngest age group. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at that inspection; this is an early years judgement within the school inspection.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum uses Development Matters. Its practical emphasis includes learning about feelings, relationships and routines, alongside developing independence and exploring the surrounding world. Planned activities available through the day give children opportunities to practise recognising emotions, considering other people and understanding boundaries. These are foundations for managing life in a group.

Language has several routes into the day. Drawing Club uses stories and conversation to develop vocabulary, while early writing work includes saying ideas aloud before putting them on paper. Listening and taking turns are part of that work too. The emphasis gives children ways to express an idea before tackling the physical task of writing it.

In May 2025, early years learning spaces had distinct activity areas, with resources chosen to help children consolidate what they were learning. Children also developed independence through organising outdoor play. The wider school grounds include a Forest School area and a shelter, giving the setting a concrete outdoor resource alongside its classroom provision. Trips are planned for pre-school children as well as older classes, extending learning beyond the school grounds.

An early years teacher works alongside teaching assistants. For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), classroom support comes from teachers and assistants, with the SENCo overseeing provision. That gives families both classroom staff and a coordinating role to work with.

Communication in Little Acorns includes conversations with staff at collection or drop-off and messages through Dojo, which also carries photographs and updates. Urgent messages go to the school office. Families can therefore keep routine questions close to the classroom while directing time-sensitive concerns to the office.

Lunch has a defined place in the day: nursery children eat in the hall between 11.55am and 12.25pm. Families providing lunch boxes are asked to choose healthy food and encourage water drinking.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child's entry year. Worcestershire residents apply through the Local Authority Admissions Team; families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority.

Transition support is a separate matter. Teachers collaborate over moves between classes, including the nursery-to-Reception move. This planning can support familiarity and continuity, but it does not replace an admissions application.

For nursery enquiries or a school tour, contact the office on 01299 266316 or email office@far.saet.co.uk. Visits can be booked by appointment. The school is on New Road, Far Forest, Kidderminster, DY14 9TQ.

Little Acorns families can speak directly with classroom staff during drop-off and collection. This provides a practical opportunity for brief exchanges about a child's day, alongside Dojo communication.