Woodlands Infant and Nursery School Nursery Review

Dinosaurs, a large home corner and bikes give Willow Nursery its character: play moves between imaginary worlds, practical making and physical activity. This is the nursery class within Woodlands Infant and Nursery School in Birchwood, Lincoln. Funded entry begins from the term after a child's third birthday.

Belonging has a tangible symbol here. Children joining Woodlands make a clay bird, which stays on a tree in the school entrance throughout their time at the school. For a young child, that gives membership of the school something concrete to attach to.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings care and learning together, with games and play doing much of the teaching. Children develop language, movement and relationships alongside early maths, literacy, creative expression and knowledge of the world. Adults plan guided activities each day, while children also choose activities independently. That balance gives them both direction and room to follow their interests.

Inside Willow, the home corner supports pretend cooking and shared meals; small world dinosaurs invite storytelling. Sand and a water tray are accessible throughout play, while painting, box modelling and making marks provide different ways to experiment. Songs and musical instruments add listening and sound-making to the mix. Outdoors, children practise climbing, construction, cycling and ball skills. Group gatherings and daily snacks bring everyone together, and Friday includes the school's Celebration Assembly.

Early reading starts with hearing and using sounds. Nursery children sing rhymes, try listening games and explore sounds in words before moving towards letters they recognise, including those in their names. Read Write Inc phonics begins in the spring term for nursery children ready for it. Readiness matters here: the move to formal phonics is conditional, rather than a single starting point for everyone.

In January 2025, Ofsted found nursery children keen to join activities based on Going on a Bear Hunt, and described cooperative play and a clear grasp of classroom routines. Those examples connect story-based learning with the everyday habits children need in a group.

Language support begins at entry. A speech and language teaching assistant carries out a Welcomm baseline assessment when children start, helping the team decide whether provision needs adjusting. If further needs emerge, the class teacher or SENCO discusses concerns with parents. Individual targets can be reviewed each term, with support delivered individually or in small groups; outside specialists are involved with parental permission.

Jigsaw gives personal and social learning a named structure, beginning in nursery. Themes include Healthy Me and Celebrating Differences, creating opportunities to talk about wellbeing and relationships. Daily snack gatherings also give children a regular shared routine.

School meals come from Good Lookin Cookin. Families order directly and can choose particular days, a week or a term, making meal booking adaptable to the child's attendance pattern.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Reception requires a separate application, including for children already attending Woodlands, and places are allocated by the local authority.

Apply through Lincolnshire County Council's school admissions service, online or by telephone, with a paper application also possible. The annual application window runs from 15 November to 15 January at noon. Treat that application as a separate family task alongside nursery attendance.

The 15 universal funded childcare hours can be arranged as five mornings, 8:45am to 11:45am, or five afternoons, 12:15pm to 3:15pm, Monday to Friday. Beginning Flexi combines full days on Monday and Tuesday with Wednesday morning. End Flexi combines Wednesday afternoon with full days on Thursday and Friday; full days run from 8:45am to 3:15pm.

Session availability. Preferred sessions cannot be guaranteed, although the school aims to accommodate families. Keep that qualification in mind when planning the week.

Visits can be booked through the school office on 01522 683557 or woodlands@forestskies.co.uk. A personal tour with a member of the leadership team gives families an opportunity to discuss questions relevant to their child.