Archibald Primary School Nursery Review

An hour of indoor choosing time, named key-person groups and outdoor play give Archibald’s nursery its shape. This is provision within the main school building, with a soft play area of its own. Nursery caters for children aged three to four; Archibald Pre-School provides a separate starting point for two- to three-year-olds.

Up to 39 children attend each nursery session. A full-time teacher and teaching assistants plan and care for children together, while the pre-school and nursery teams work closely within the school’s early years provision. Nursery classrooms are on the ground floor, keeping this first stage of school life within the main building.

Carpet rhymes begin the session. Children then hear the register and the plan for the day, followed by phonics and a snack. Indoor choosing time lasts an hour, with adults supporting children as they explore classroom activities alongside friends. A focused activity with their key worker follows, then tidying and outdoor learning. A shared story or class activity closes the session. The rhythm alternates independent choices with time together.

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum uses Development Matters. In everyday terms, children learn through play, conversation, creative work and shared experiences, alongside activities led by adults. Early reading includes listening games, spoken sound blending and repeated daily stories through the Over and Over Strategy. These give children practice in listening and joining in before formal reading develops.

Named nursery projects include Starry Night, Dangerous Dinosaurs and Sunshine and Sunflowers. They take children from exploring night-time life to prehistoric animals and caring for plants. Outdoor play continues across different weather conditions, so suitable clothing matters. In September 2022, Ofsted described nursery children enjoying picture books in outdoor book boats, while two-year-olds listened to stories in a reading corner. Books have a place outdoors as well as indoors.

Ladybirds, butterflies and bees are the nursery’s key-person groups. Each child has an adult who gets to know their interests, development and needs, giving parents a first contact for questions. Settling can begin with shorter sessions, extending as confidence grows; families should keep their phone switched on during the first few sessions. Stay and Play opportunities and brief visits also help children become familiar with nursery before starting.

Fruit with milk or water forms the session snack. Children wash their hands first, and snack time provides practice in conversation and taking turns. Water can be accessed throughout the session. Families using the 30-hour provision supply a packed lunch and should tell staff about allergies.

Evidence Me shares observations of learning, and parents can message staff through Seesaw. Staff also support toilet training using information about routines at home. The school’s SEND arrangements bring parents, the class teacher and SENDCO into discussions, with a SEND Support Plan setting out additional provision where needed. Ramped ground-floor access and a disabled toilet within Nursery are practical features for families considering accessibility.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority in the normal admissions round and meet its closing date. For September 2027 entry, nursery attendance gives no oversubscription priority. Keep that application separate from choosing nursery.

Transition support has a different purpose. Children attending nursery have a series of Reception visits before joining, and families can meet teachers and see the classroom. These opportunities build familiarity; they do not secure admission.

Morning nursery sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, with afternoons from 12.10pm to 3.10pm. The 2023–2024 arrangement offered 13 spaces for eligible children using 30-hour provision, from 8.30am to 2.30pm. Confirm current availability and hours with the school. Eligibility requires an application through Childcare Choices. Pre-school uses allocated half-day sessions.

An adult must bring each child, and staff should be told beforehand if someone different will collect them. Nursery uniform includes a navy sweatshirt, a white or light-blue polo shirt and suitable dark trousers or jogging bottoms; a school logo is optional. Label clothing and provide spares. Enquiries go to the school office on 01642 804101 or office@archibaldschool.org.uk.