Fairfields Primary School Nursery Review

Daily outdoor play and messy exploration shaped Fairfields Nursery's programme in 2020/2021. This is the nursery class within Fairfields Primary School on Apollo Avenue in Milton Keynes, with provision for three- and four-year-olds. Children must be three before their starting term. The setting follows the school calendar, making it a practical choice for families seeking a nursery routine built around term time.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 18 and 19 July 2022. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Play carried the learning in the nursery's 2020/2021 programme. Fairfields followed the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), combining children's interests with planned experiences. In parent terms, this meant developing language, movement and relationships alongside early reading, number work, creativity and exploration of the world. Children had opportunities to investigate, persevere and try out their own ideas.

The outdoor area was used daily, and each day included messy or exploratory activity. Group sizes varied between smaller and larger gatherings, giving children opportunities to practise social skills. Art, role-play, dance and music sat within the learning programme; counting and exploring shapes provided another route into early mathematics. These activities gave children different ways to communicate and take part.

Observations helped staff choose subsequent experiences. A key person gathered information about each child's interests, learning and achievements. Parents could contribute to an online learning journey, connecting home and nursery learning. Confirm the current learning programme and communication arrangements with the nursery.

For 2020/2021, settling arrangements included one or two sessions before starting and a staff home visit. Families could meet the staff and key worker while children became familiar with their surroundings, and share information to help the team support their child. Confirm current settling arrangements before starting.

In 2020/2021, lunch options included a purchased two-course meal or a healthy packed lunch from home. Choices included a vegetarian meal or a sandwich lunch with fruit. Families were asked for allergy and dietary information when applying. Check current meal choices and dietary arrangements with the nursery.

For additional needs, the school's SENDCo and Inclusion Team work with class staff and families. A Pupil Support Plan records the child's needs and intended outcomes, with provision reviewed termly. The school also has access to a speech and language therapist through Inspiring Futures through Learning. This provides a route to specialist input when a child needs it.

The school building has wheelchair access, accessible toilets and a lift. These are useful physical features for families whose children have mobility needs. The 2020/2021 care arrangements required parental consent for medication and contact with families if a child became ill and needed collecting. Confirm current procedures with the team.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no attendance-based priority for September 2027 entry. Families must make a separate application using their home local authority's common application form, returning it by 15 January 2027. For Milton Keynes residents, the route is Milton Keynes Council. Treat this as a separate decision and deadline from nursery registration.

Learning continuity is separate from admission rights. In 2020/2021, transition arrangements included passing nursery assessments to the child's Reception class so the next teacher could build on earlier achievements. Preparation also covered independence, such as managing a coat, using the toilet and knowing when to ask for help. Ask the nursery about its current transition practice.

The core booking patterns are five morning sessions, 8.30am to 11.30am; five afternoons, 12.30pm to 3.30pm; or five full days, 8.30am to 2.30pm. Morning and afternoon patterns each total 15 hours, while the full-day pattern totals 30 hours. Eligible families can access 30-hour funded places, and early education funding starts in the term following a child's third birthday.

Charged additions include lunchtime, extended-day and end-of-day sessions. Contact the school for current charges. The 2.30pm full-day finish matters when planning collection; a later finish requires an additional session.

Register through the nursery's online form. Intakes are in January, April and September. In 2020/2021, uniform included purple tops and black bottoms, available from Maisies in Wolverton, and children needed a named spare outfit. Alternative collectors needed consent, had to be over 16 and used a confidential collection password. Confirm current uniform requirements and collection procedures with the nursery.