Sunbeams Nursery at Rockland St Mary Primary School

Ceramic teapots, objects to investigate and a wooden nursery lodge give Sunbeams its distinctive character. This is nursery provision for children aged three years plus, based in the early years area of Rockland St Mary Primary School. Its opening hours total 30 hours per week. The emphasis is on children exploring real objects and finding their own uses for materials.

Early years provision was graded Good at the school's Ofsted inspection on 1 and 2 February 2022. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Curiosity Approach shapes play here. Children handle ceramic cups and teapots, investigate objects in Curiosity Cubes, and build outdoors with crates and pipes. These materials have a practical purpose: ceramics introduce weight and careful handling, while construction pieces let children decide what to make. Recycled tubes and blocks add further possibilities for imaginative play.

Indoors, the nursery describes a neutral, calm setting containing artefacts from around the world. Dressing up involves adult clothing and shoes, including multicultural dresses. Books help children pursue an interest and discover more about it. Together, those choices put everyday experiences and children's questions into the learning process.

Outside, the early years area includes a purpose-built trim trail. Construction materials give outdoor play a creative dimension alongside that physical feature. The nursery occupies a wooden lodge on the school site, giving it a distinct base within the wider school grounds.

The early years foundation stage, or EYFS, prepares children for later learning through developing foundational skills. In February 2022, nursery children had frequent opportunities to practise speaking, learned well and grew in confidence. Spoken language matters here: being able to express an idea is part of taking learning further.

A qualified Nursery Lead works with the Early Years Lead. This links the nursery team with the wider early years provision. For children staying into the afternoon, a packed lunch must come from home, making lunch preparation part of the family's daily routine.

Support for additional needs follows the Graduated Approach: staff assess needs, plan support, put it into practice and review it. The school aims to address emotional, social and behavioural development alongside learning. Families can contact the SEND coordinator at sendco@rsm.set.education, providing a direct route for discussing support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline; the admissions route is Norfolk County Council.

The Curiosity Approach continues across the EYFS, so the nursery's approach to exploring and learning has continuity beyond the nursery stage. That educational continuity is separate from the allocation of a school place. Keep both decisions distinct when planning your child's next step.

Sessions run Monday to Friday, with mornings from 09:00 to 12:00 and afternoons from 12:00 to 15:00. The booking model therefore gives families two session options on each weekday. Children are eligible for funding for five morning or afternoon sessions and are likely to be eligible for the full week. Paid sessions are also possible; contact the school for current charges. Childcare vouchers are accepted.

Tours can be arranged through the office. Call 01508 538345 or email office@rsm.set.education to enquire or arrange a nursery visit. The nursery is on School Lane in Rockland St Mary, NR14 7EU.