Captains Close Primary School Nursery Review

Natural gardens and a choice between indoor and outdoor play give Captains Cabin Pre-School its character. This is the nursery provision at Captains Close Primary School in Asfordby, with funded childcare for three- and four-year-olds. Its day combines time with a key person, activities chosen by children and quieter moments for stories and songs.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 15 to 16 October 2024. That judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children settled readily and developed independence through familiar routines, although assessment and the oversight of independent learning needed attention.

Children begin the morning by recognising their name and selecting a peg. Registration leads into group time with their key person, followed by choices such as drawing and early writing, pretend play, making things and investigating natural materials. Adults develop play around children's interests; afternoon activities also respond to their next learning steps. Tidying and a story, song or rhyme bring each main session to a close.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects seven areas of development. Speaking and listening, movement and social and emotional development provide the foundations. Early reading and writing, maths, creativity and discovering the world build on these. Activities often cross these boundaries, so making something or playing a role can involve several kinds of learning together.

Outside, natural gardens extend the space for learning. Children can choose outdoor activities during sessions, and the nursery aims to keep the area open throughout the year and encourage daily outdoor play. It aims to develop confidence, independence and problem solving through these experiences. Clothing suited to the weather matters here.

Independent learning. In October 2024, staff were not monitoring children's participation and learning closely enough during independent activities. Assessment was also used inconsistently to shape what came next, limiting how far learning developed. This is a material consideration alongside the freedom to choose activities.

A key person leads group time in both the morning and afternoon, giving children a regular point of contact within the session. In October 2024, early years routines helped children become more independent, while classroom zones and their rules supported sharing and considerate play.

Milk, water and fruit are offered during the morning; the afternoon includes milk and water. Lunch includes a hot meal, with the option to bring a packed lunch instead. The lunch charge still applies when families supply their own food, so that choice does not remove the charge.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school's support structure includes a SENDCo and access to EPIC Speech and Language Services and EPIC Educational Psychology Services. Parents can raise concerns with the teaching team and involve the SENDCo through the office. This provides a route into specialist advice where needed.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admissions priority. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority, using the Common Application Form, by 15 January. Nursery attendance is not one of the criteria used to allocate oversubscribed places.

Transition support is separate from allocation. Once a school place is secured, staff liaise with the child's preschool or nursery to learn about their needs. Families are then invited to summer-term sessions before the autumn Reception start, providing an opportunity to prepare for the change.

The nursery operates in term time. Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45 and afternoons from 12:15 to 15:15. Early care runs from 07:30 to 08:45, with evening care from 15:15 to 17:45. Families choose the number of sessions, subject to space; additional attendance beyond funded hours must be booked in session blocks.

Universal funding provides 15 hours each week across 38 weeks, beginning in the term after a child's third birthday. The nursery also accepts the 30-hour extended entitlement for eligible families. Eligibility codes require verification and reconfirmation every three months. Extended care charges cover meals, drinks, snacks and additional staffing; ask the school for current charges. Payments are due by the first of each month in advance through Parent Pay.

Contact office@dsatcaptainsclose.org or 01664 812 630 for enquiries or to arrange a school visit. Tell staff about any alternative collector in advance, and phone the office if collection will be late.