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Nursery at New Bradwell Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Caterpillars and Butterflies give New Bradwell’s youngest children two distinct starting points: Caterpillars takes children aged 2–3, while Butterflies is for ages 3–4. Together they form Foundation 1, the school’s nursery provision in New Bradwell, Milton Keynes. That age split matters: the younger class concentrates on communication, physical development and personal and social skills, with books providing a shared starting point for learning.
At the Ofsted inspection on 13 and 14 December 2023, early years provision was graded Good. This judgement covers the school’s early years stage, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Stories give the learning its character. Caterpillars’ half-term texts include The Colour Monster, Wow! Said the Owl and Walter’s Wonderful Web. Butterflies uses a Book of the Week. These provide recurring material for children’s learning, with a different book rhythm in each class.
The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent terms, this brings together learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early reading, maths, exploring the world and creative expression. Play and activities guided by adults are both part of the framework: learning involves relationships and practical exploration as well as preparation for reading.
Foundation 1 develops awareness of sounds before introducing ReadWriteInc to children who are ready. That condition is important: the programme is introduced according to readiness. Mathematics in Foundation 1 draws on Singapore Maths principles. In December 2023, character development beginning in early years was a strength, and the phonics programme starting at this stage was successful.
For many children, Foundation 1 is their first experience away from home. The EYFS requires each child to have a key person whose responsibilities include helping them settle, understanding their individual care needs and building a relationship with their parents. This gives families a clear role to understand as their child starts nursery.
Parents can discuss additional support with the class teacher and take further SEND questions to the SENCO. Teacher appointments can also be arranged through reception. Arbor carries parent notifications and curriculum updates, helping families keep track of school communication.
Early years lunch runs from 11:30am to 12:30pm. The school provides meals for children, and the menu rotates over three weeks. Families must discuss specific dietary needs with the relevant staff, making that conversation part of planning a child’s care.
Nursery attendance is the fifth oversubscription criterion, below looked-after and previously looked-after children, both defined-area categories and children outside the area with siblings attending. It ranks above other children outside the defined area and does not guarantee a Reception place. There is no automatic transfer. Families must make a separate online application through Milton Keynes Council for their child’s first school place.
Reception priority. Nursery attendance is one criterion among several used when applications exceed places. Families should treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.
Caterpillars offers mornings from 8:30am to 11:30am, afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, or a full day from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Butterflies offers the same morning and full-day hours. Children are expected to attend Monday to Friday, so these patterns suit families seeking a regular weekday routine.
Full-time spaces accept 30-hour funding. For families who do not qualify for that funding, full-time places are charged, with payment for the whole half term required in advance. Refer to the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries use the Caterpillars or Butterflies application form, returned to reception@newbradwellschool.org.uk. A school tour can be booked using a form. Parents must notify the school if their Caterpillars or Butterflies child misses a requested session.
Caterpillars is for children aged 2–3 and Butterflies for children aged 3–4.
Caterpillars offers an afternoon session from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Butterflies offers mornings or full days.
No. Nursery attendance ranks fifth in the oversubscription criteria, below looked-after and previously looked-after children, both defined-area categories and children outside the area with siblings attending. Families must apply separately through Milton Keynes Council; there is no automatic right of entry.
Yes, for full-time spaces. Eligibility determines whether a family can use that funding.
Complete the relevant Caterpillars or Butterflies application form and return it to reception@newbradwellschool.org.uk.
