Bracebridge Infant and Nursery School Nursery Review

Paint, sand and mud give Terrific Turtles its practical character. This is Bracebridge Infant and Nursery School’s nursery class on Francis Street in Lincoln, offering places for children aged three and four. Children start their Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning here, with an emphasis on communication and managing feelings and relationships.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 23 and 24 May 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Play shapes most of the session, alongside daily activities led by adults that introduce letters and numbers. The continuous provision approach gives children activities they can choose independently, while guided tasks provide time for staff to teach and support their next steps. There is room for both choice and direction.

The EYFS connects early reading and mathematics with physical development, language, relationships, creativity and discovering the world. In practice, children investigate materials, try their own ideas and persevere when something proves difficult. Nursery learning takes place inside and outdoors; the outdoor area is used throughout the year in most weather, so a waterproof coat belongs in the daily kit.

Chalk, water and paint join sand and mud in the activities. Aprons and waterproof clothing are provided, but families should expect clothes to get messy. These materials give children practical ways to explore rather than relying on seated tasks alone.

Language development. In May 2023, staff did not consistently use children’s chosen play and imaginative activities to deepen understanding or introduce vocabulary. Children’s language therefore developed less quickly than it could, and further staff training was required. For parents, adult conversation during play deserves attention alongside the activities themselves.

Settling centres on handing children to a staff member and keeping the goodbye brief. If a child is upset, staff use distraction and telephone parents once the child has settled. Staff-read Bedtime Stories also give families a way to introduce familiar faces before starting.

Seesaw brings photographs and observations of nursery learning home, with space for parents to comment. Staff discuss how children are settling and can arrange longer conversations. In May 2023, early years staff understood children’s individual needs and encouraged them to manage tasks independently.

A daily snack includes fruit or vegetables, with milk to drink. Children bring their own named bottle of water. Toileting support is available, including for children using pull-ups; spare clothing and wipes help staff respond to accidents. Changing requires parental consent, and parents may be called if more substantial cleaning is needed.

For children with SEND, families can meet the school’s SENDCo before attendance begins. Information from other settings and outside professionals informs an individualised learning plan. The SENDCo works with the Lincolnshire Additional Needs Team, giving families a route for discussing additional support before their child starts.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For the September 2026 intake, it also conferred no priority: the oversubscription criteria covered care status, siblings, whether this was the nearest school and distance from home.

Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Lincolnshire residents apply through Lincolnshire County Council, online or by telephone; families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority. Treat this as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.

The 15-hour pattern is a daily morning session, 8.45am to 11.45am, or an afternoon session, 12.20pm to 3.20pm. For those entitled to 30 hours, attendance runs from 8.45am to 3.20pm Monday to Thursday, then 8.45am to 11.45am on Friday. That shorter Friday matters when arranging work and collection. Before-school and after-school childcare does not cover nursery children.

Uniform is encouraged: navy knitwear and a white polo shirt, with nursery children permitted to wear grey, black or navy jogging trousers. A PE kit is unnecessary. Label clothing and keep spare clothes in the bag on the child’s cloakroom peg.

Collection is from the classroom doorway facing the playground, with staff releasing children individually to their adult. Tell staff about changes to the collector or telephone before the session ends. To enquire or arrange a visit, call 01522 520591 or email enquiries@bracebridge.lincs.sch.uk; nursery applications go directly to the school.