Little Learners Nursery at St Peter at Gowts

A hello song, a shared discovery and then the freedom to choose where to play: Little Learners gives the youngest children at The Lincoln St Peter at Gowts Church of England Primary School a day built around participation. The nursery caters for two-, three- and four-year-olds, with 52 part-time places within the school on Pennell Street, Lincoln.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 31 January and 1 February 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Sessions begin with singing and a shared activity. Children might sample unfamiliar foods, investigate textures or talk about something new; visitors have included a firefighter. Then children select their play, moving freely between the indoor space and outdoor area while adults join them to extend their learning. Stories and songs bring each session to a close.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines language, relationships and physical development with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Here, extended periods of child-chosen play give children time to pursue an idea. A sand pit provides opportunities to make marks, while a water tray turns filling and pouring into exploration of capacity. Loose parts and real objects encourage children to decide how to use materials.

Books lead two-week blocks of learning, with Talk4Write linking stories to language activities. Read, Write, Inc phonics starts in nursery when a child is ready, preceded by activities developing attention, listening and awareness of sounds. Daily CLIC maths practice gives number learning a regular place alongside play. Caterpillar Music teaches in early years, adding opportunities to explore instruments and sounds.

At the January and February 2024 inspection, focused exchanges with adults helped early years children grasp new ideas quickly, and storytelling was lively. For parents, the significant combination is freedom to play and adult involvement that gives that play a learning purpose.

Before a child starts, staff arrange a home visit to meet them in familiar surroundings and learn about their needs. The key person is chosen after staff see which adult the child bonds with. That person helps them settle, supports care such as toileting and dressing, and becomes a contact for the family.

Tapestry shares photographs, video and observations with parents, who can contribute their own updates. Termly meetings provide time to discuss learning; longer conversations with staff can also be arranged. Books and story sacks can be borrowed, giving families activities to enjoy together at home.

Snack time includes free fruit each day and free milk for children whose parents complete the welcome-pack form. For children learning English, dual-language books, talking pens and songs in other languages connect learning with languages familiar to them. Staff review developmental concerns every half term and can use the Early Support Developmental Journal to examine needs more closely. Families can arrange a meeting with the school's SEND coordinator through the office.

Separate application. Attending Little Learners does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal Reception process. Lincolnshire County Council is the admissions authority, and applications can be made through its online form or by contacting School Admissions on 01522 782030. Keep this application separate from nursery attendance when planning your child's next step.

Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. Hours can be arranged across the week as full days or five sessions, mixing mornings and afternoons if preferred. Full days carry a charge for lunchtime supervision.

For three- and four-year-olds, 15 funded hours require an office form; 30 hours depend on meeting the working-parent criteria. Eligible two-year-olds may receive 15 funded hours. Additional paid hours are possible. Contact the school for current charges.

Children wear school uniform or a plain red jumper suitable for messy activities. Waterproofs and wellington boots can stay at nursery, supporting outdoor play throughout the year. Tell staff beforehand if another adult will collect your child: release requires parental permission and staff knowing the collector. Enquiries go to 01522 880071 or enquiries@st-peter-gowts.lincs.sch.uk; school visits can be arranged by contacting the school.