Newton-on-Trent CofE Primary School Pre-School Review

Communication and language give this pre-school its clearest educational focus. In June 2023, the school's early years curriculum took children's starting points into account and helped them develop those skills. Learning was carefully ordered, with assessment guiding teaching so that children could take part and progress.

The provision belongs to Newton-on-Trent CofE Primary School on High Street. At the inspection on 14 and 15 June 2023, it was described as pre-school provision for children from three. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding; that judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework for pre-school. Its practical emphasis is learning through exploration and play. For parents, the school's advice gives that idea concrete meaning: pretend play, simple games and baking, alongside practising pencil use, cutting, catching and everyday skills such as handling cutlery. These are suggestions for learning at home, rather than a session timetable. Conversation and shared time are part of that advice too.

Within early years, the June 2023 findings give a clearer picture of how teaching connects together. Learning across the curriculum was arranged in deliberate steps, and children's different starting points shaped the approach. Assessment helped staff decide how to support their learning. The implication is personal: children were supported from where they began, with communication development receiving explicit attention.

Daily stories are also part of the school's teaching approach, with time protected for them in every class. Vocabulary is introduced directly and returned to repeatedly, giving children further opportunities to understand and use words.

Individual needs shape the school's approach to support. It aims to identify additional needs promptly, involve families in planning and keep parents informed about progress. The school aims to assess and review progress through individual passports, using care plans where appropriate. For a family considering pre-school, the office is the contact for discussing a place for a child with additional needs.

Emotional support has a physical place in the school's classrooms: each has a wellbeing area with resources for recognising and managing feelings. The school's approach includes helping children build relationships, ask for help and cope with setbacks. These are school-wide arrangements, rather than a separate claim about nursery care routines.

Attending pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Lincolnshire families can apply online or telephone the county council's admissions team; families living outside Lincolnshire apply through their home local authority. Up to three state schools can be named, including schools outside the county.

Familiarity with the next classroom is a different matter from admission. The school's transition arrangements include mornings spent with peers, future classroom adults and new routines. Future teachers also visit new children in their existing setting, and parent meetings help staff prepare. These practices support familiarity with change; they do not secure a place.

For enquiries, contact the school at enquiries@newton-on-trent.lincs.sch.uk or on 01777 228365. Visits to look around can be arranged by getting in touch. The school is on High Street, Newton-on-Trent, Lincolnshire, LN1 2JS.