Timberscombe Church of England First School Nursery Review

At the June 2023 inspection, stories throughout the day, a home corner and cooperative outdoor play gave Timberscombe's nursery its clearest character: early language and learning to get along with other children. This is the pre-school provision at Timberscombe Church of England First School, admitting children from age two. It sits within a village school belonging to the Moorland Federation.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 7 and 8 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The most useful detail for parents is the emphasis on relationships, conversation and shared play.

Language runs through the learning. In June 2023, children in pre-school heard stories at different points during the day, building their vocabulary and interest in books. Staff made language development a focus across the curriculum, giving speaking and listening a role beyond story time. For a young child, those are foundations for communicating needs and joining in with others.

At the June 2023 inspection, children played together outdoors and in the home corner. Children practised sharing turns and cooperating in both. These early years experiences combine language with social learning: listening to another child, waiting for a turn and taking part in a shared activity.

Close relationships with adults were a strength of the early years provision in June 2023. Pre-school children received attentive care and had secure connections with staff. Children in early years also learnt to recognise their emotions and handle them. That gives the social side of the nursery day a practical focus, alongside playing together.

Support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) began in early years. In June 2023, staff adjusted learning to children's needs and drew on advice from outside agencies when necessary. Early identification meant support could begin during these first stages of education.

Across the Moorland Federation, identifying additional needs involves observations, conversations with families and discussion with the special educational needs coordinator (SENDCo). Parents of children with SEND are encouraged to keep in touch with teachers and teaching assistants. Support is reviewed and adjusted, with termly progress updates through the child's IEP. This gives families an ongoing role in discussing their child's needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline.

For children joining the school in the Foundation Stage, the federation offers Stay and Play sessions so families can become familiar with staff and the setting. Where a child already has professionally identified SEND, a school entry planning meeting brings parents and professionals together. These arrangements support familiarity and planning; they do not secure admission.

Contact Timberscombe school on 01643 841259 to arrange a visit and discuss your child's placement with staff. A visit provides an opportunity to talk about your child directly with the team before deciding whether to apply.