Chestnuts Primary School Nursery

Children’s interests help shape the nursery at Chestnuts: accessible resources let them choose what to use, while creative areas and displays respond to what catches their attention. Choice is part of the learning.

Opened in September 2022, the nursery belongs to Chestnuts Primary School in Bletchley. Children can join in the term following their third birthday. The provision combines learning through play with morning, afternoon and full-day attendance options, giving families different ways to use the nursery.

Play leads the approach. Chestnuts recognises exploration, active participation and thinking through ideas as ways children learn, and follows their interests rather than expecting each child to develop at the same pace. Resources children can reach themselves make that approach practical: they can select materials and begin pursuing an idea independently.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) includes learning about the world through concrete experiences. Children investigate mechanisms such as cogs, wind-up toys and pulleys, exploring how they operate. Early geography starts with familiar surroundings before children compare them with other places. These are tangible starting points for questions about how things work and what makes places different.

Drawing has specific aims too. In early years, children practise representing people with features such as a mouth, eyes and nose, alongside limbs and a body. Art also encourages experimenting with materials and using the outdoor environment. Creative work gives children another way to communicate their observations.

Technology has a place alongside these activities. Class iPads are available in early years, and computing includes entering simple instructions into a programmable device during role play. That connects an action with its result, rather than treating technology solely as something to watch.

Settling is a partnership with parents. Nursery staff work with families to help children become comfortable and provide regular updates about how they are doing. This gives parents an ongoing connection with their child’s experience as the new routine develops.

In April 2025, children across early years with delayed speech or language were recognised promptly and received help to catch up. For a family concerned about communication, that is a relevant finding about support at this stage.

Parents raising concerns about special educational needs or disabilities should begin with their child’s class teacher, who involves the SEND Team. The school also runs SEND Get Togethers, bringing parents together with the team and other families for focused discussions. These provide a route for talking through concerns beyond an individual conversation.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process and meet the normal deadline. Milton Keynes City Council coordinates applications for September entry.

Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions. Joining Chestnuts for early learning does not remove the later application step; families should plan for that process even when their child already attends the nursery.

The nursery prefers five mornings, five afternoons or five full days to support continuity. These are preferences rather than a stated requirement. Exact session times and registration forms can be obtained from the school office.

Full-day attendance is an option for children receiving government 30-hour funding. Families receiving 15-hour funding can pay for extra sessions. Breakfast club and after-school club provide wraparound care for an additional charge; ask the school for current charges.

The Nursery Expression of Interest Form starts an enquiry, after which the school contacts the family. Personal tours can also be arranged through the office on 01908 373748, giving parents a chance to consider the setting before applying.