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Nursery at Bardney Church of England and Methodist Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mud, nursery rhymes and caterpillars give Bardney’s nursery its character. Children aged 2 to 4 learn through play, with a classroom inside the main school building and outdoor learning extending into a garden, playground and field. This is a nursery closely connected to school life.
Capacity is a maximum of 26 places, although sessions usually have no more than 16 children. A qualified teacher oversees the provision, supported by nursery assistants with Level 3 early years qualifications. The combination gives families a clear picture of the teaching structure and usual group size.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical form through storytelling, early mathematics, creative activities and messy play. Topics connect these experiences: Growing includes tending plants and watching caterpillars develop into butterflies, while Traditional Tales uses retelling and discussion to build language. Children compare story characters and put events in order, giving play a clear learning purpose.
Little Wandle introduces early sound work through Rhyme Time and Tuning into Sounds. Children learn rhymes, perform them and listen for rhyming words. A bedtime story book goes home each week, making shared reading part of the connection between nursery and family life.
Outside, the garden is used almost entirely by nursery and Reception children. There are also two sets of playground equipment and access to the school field. A dedicated Forest School area adds another setting for exploration, with a qualified instructor working weekly. Wednesday morning Forest School brings the 3 to 4-year-olds together with Reception; wellies and clothes suitable for mud are needed. Tuesday PE takes place in nursery clothes, so children do not have to change.
In May 2023, Ofsted found that early years children were developing independence through carefully planned learning. Mathematics began with small steps, and early reading teaching started in nursery. These findings support the emphasis on building foundations gradually. The school-wide curriculum concern was narrower: sequencing still needed refining in a very small number of subjects.
Teaching staff and nursery assistants share the classroom work. In May 2023, relationships between adults and children were positive from nursery onwards. Identification of special educational needs and/or disabilities began in early years, with effective support helping children progress. That gives families a dated picture of how additional needs were recognised and addressed.
For meals, the school uses Good Lookin Cookin; families order through the supplier, where allergen details accompany the menu. Breakfast club provides breakfast, while after-school care includes a snack in its own club room. These arrangements matter when combining nursery sessions with a longer childcare day.
Communication. In May 2023, some parents across the school reported delayed responses to concerns and felt insufficiently informed. Improving communication was an action for leaders, relevant to families who need dependable exchanges about their child.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
Shared experiences can nevertheless make the next stage more familiar. The 3 to 4-year-olds join Reception for Wednesday Forest School, and both groups use the garden. These are practical connections between classes, separate from the allocation of school places.
Morning, afternoon and all-day sessions operate during term time within an 8:45am to 3:15pm day. The Beehive, in the school grounds, provides wraparound care from 7:30am before nursery and until 6:00pm afterwards. Families needing longer days can therefore combine nursery with care on the same site.
The 15-hour entitlement applies to 3-year-olds from the term after their third birthday; 30-hour funding is offered to eligible families. Funded places also include 2-year-olds. Additional hours carry charges: contact the school for current rates.
Visits can be arranged by appointment. For enquiries, bookings or a visit, call 01526 398255 or email enquiries@bardney.lincs.sch.uk.
The nursery caters for children aged 2 to 4, and funded places are offered for those ages.
Morning, afternoon and all-day sessions run during term time within the 8:45am to 3:15pm nursery day. Wraparound care extends the day from 7:30am until 6:00pm.
Children use a garden, playground equipment and the school field. The 3 to 4-year-olds also join Reception for Forest School on Wednesday mornings, wearing wellies and suitable muddy-weather clothes.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
Call 01526 398255 or email enquiries@bardney.lincs.sch.uk to arrange a visit.
