Nursery at The St Francis Special School, Lincoln

Communication takes many forms at St Francis. The school’s approach recognises pupils’ own ways of expressing choices and needs, with practical learning woven through the day. Its nursery provision sits within a special school in Lincoln that admits pupils from age 2 and supports children with medical and physical needs, difficulties with social communication, and severe or profound learning difficulties.

St Francis belongs to the Lincoln Saints Federation. For families considering its nursery, the wider school’s arrangements bring learning, personal care and professional support into the same setting.

Individual needs shape the school’s timetable. Classes have their own schedules, while each pupil’s participation is adapted individually. Time is reserved for therapies and personal support programmes, so these form part of the educational day rather than being separate from it.

Communication and independence are central aims. Pupils can express what they want through their own communication methods; visual aids, assistive technology and adapted digital materials support participation across the school. This gives families a concrete picture of an approach that accommodates different ways of communicating.

Targets connect learning with everyday needs. Parents help agree longer-term goals linked to the education, health and care plan (EHCP), and individual targets are shared with them regularly. Some pupils also have engagement profiles to help professionals understand how they participate.

The school’s Remembrance Garden includes textured planting, wind chimes and colourful leaves. These provide tactile, sound and visual features within the wider school grounds. They should be understood as school facilities, rather than a description of a nursery outdoor timetable.

An NHS nursing team works within the school. Its responsibilities include giving medication, carrying out medical interventions, supporting parents and contributing to care-plan discussions. Nurses also train staff and liaise with professionals outside school, connecting medical support with the educational setting.

Personal care has individual arrangements too. Pupils who require intimate care have plans explaining how to assist them, and staff receive training in handling and moving pupils. The school places dignity within these routines.

Meal options include blended and pureed menus, alongside a pescatarian blended menu and dietary and allergen charts. Those distinctions matter for families whose child needs adapted food textures.

Seesaw gives parents individual learning journals and a way to discuss approaches with the class team. It connects observations made in school with conversations about the child’s goals.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must address the next placement separately rather than assume that attending nursery settles it.

At St Francis, the admission route centres on an EHCP naming the special school. Admission can also follow an annual review when a child’s existing school determines that it can no longer adequately meet their needs. The local authority’s role in naming the school is therefore distinct from the child’s experience of nursery.

Uniform is optional, with comfort taking precedence. Families choosing it can use a navy cardigan or sweatshirt with a sky-blue or white polo shirt; generic items and second-hand uniform are options too.

For enquiries, contact the main school office on 01522 526498 or use the contact form. The main site is on Wickenby Crescent, Lincoln, LN1 3TJ. Absences can be reported through ParentMail or by telephone.