Bitterley CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Real glass and ceramic objects, daily outdoor access and weekly Forest School give Bitterley’s early years provision a practical, exploratory character. Children can handle materials carefully, follow an idea through play and spend time learning outside. The nursery accepts children from age two and forms part of Bitterley CofE Primary School (Aided), in Bitterley, near Ludlow.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 24 and 25 October 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play combines children’s choices with activities guided by adults. Staff use children’s interests when planning learning, so their own ideas help shape what happens next. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven connected areas of development. In everyday language, its foundations include communicating, developing physical skills and learning to manage feelings and relationships.

Development Matters, Jigsaw PSHE and Little Wandle Letters and Sounds support the early years curriculum. A growth mindset approach encourages children to persist when something is difficult. The emphasis is on exploring, trying things and developing ideas, rather than simply completing an adult’s task.

Indoors, resources include real objects with different weights, shapes and textures. Glass and ceramic items are used under supervision, giving children practice in careful handling. Outdoors is accessible during sessions throughout the year, while Forest School takes place weekly. These are distinct opportunities: everyday outdoor play alongside a regular Forest School session.

Stories and numbers also enter ordinary activities. Talk For Writing supports storytelling, and children have daily opportunities to share stories. Cooking and registration provide occasions for mathematical thinking; Snakes and Ladders brings number work into a game. Planned enrichment includes visits from nurses and police officers, connecting learning with people children may encounter beyond school.

Special Scrap books give children space to preserve achievements of their own choosing. They use these independently, alongside the learning that staff record through Tapestry.

Four teaching assistants work in the nursery. Parents can follow learning through Tapestry and contribute achievements from home, which staff use when deciding children’s next steps. Stay and Play sessions and workshops on early reading and mathematics provide other ways to take part.

Between ages two and three, children receive a developmental review with a short written summary for parents. It identifies strengths and areas needing more support. Where significant concerns or SEND emerge, a targeted plan involves the family and relevant professionals, making the review a starting point for action.

Across the school, SEND support includes breaking tasks into smaller steps and using visual timetables. Meetings with parents take place at least termly to discuss provision and next steps. The building is on one level internally, with ramps providing access from outside. These arrangements give families concrete matters to discuss when considering how their child’s needs will be met.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process, using Shropshire Council’s online route. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.

For children who have been granted a school place, summer-term induction visits involve both children and parents before the September start. Transition support also includes exchanges of information between staff and meetings with families. Familiarity and preparation can help with the change; they do not replace the application process.

BASC provides wraparound care within the early years offer. To enquire about the nursery, telephone 01584 890228 or email admin@bitterley.shropshire.sch.uk. Families considering a place can arrange a school visit through the office.

For travel by car, parking is available at Bitterley Village Hall. The school asks children to use the front playground entrance, accompanied by an adult. This gives families a clear parking and pedestrian route to plan around.