Little Pickles Nursery at Longborough Church of England Primary School

Wellies, a permanent home corner and a curriculum built around big questions give Little Pickles its character. This is Longborough Church of England Primary School’s own preschool, with children learning in Willow Class alongside Reception and Year 1. The nursery welcomes children aged 3 to 4, with limited sessions also described for two-year-olds; families should confirm availability and eligibility directly. It describes Christian values as the basis of its aim to help children feel valued.

In January 2026, fewer than 5 children were attending the school’s early years foundation stage. Ofsted did not grade that provision because doing so could identify individual children. That figure covers the early years phase at that time, rather than the nursery’s capacity.

Questions give learning a focus. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum connects communication, emotions and physical development with early literacy, mathematics, creativity and exploring the world. Little Pickles uses a big question approach, so activities connect around a theme rather than standing alone.

Talking has several forms: Show and Tell, Weekend Circle and Helicopter Stories give children opportunities to share experiences and develop stories. Phase 1 phonics and a sound of the week introduce listening and sounds. Mathematics includes sorting, patterns, counting, shape and comparisons of size, giving children concrete ideas to explore before more formal work.

Movement is woven into the activities. Dough disco and Squiggle whilst you wiggle sit alongside a finger gym using scissors, tweezers and threading. Bikes, trikes, climbing and parachute games bring larger movements into play. These are different ways to practise control, from handling small tools to coordinating the whole body.

The permanent home corner provides a base for pretend play, while props support storytelling. Children build and experiment with materials indoors and outside. The outdoor area and field are used for learning whatever the weather, making waterproof clothing part of the everyday kit rather than an occasional extra.

A key person takes particular responsibility for each child’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Children belong to small groups allocated to a staff member, who also leads some activities. Parents learn who that adult is when their child joins, giving them a clear point of contact within the wider team.

Before starting, children attend one settling session. Tapestry then connects home and nursery through an online learning journey: parents can view learning and contribute photographs, videos and comments. Staff can discuss questions after a session, with longer conversations arranged outside core hours. The nursery team includes an Early Years Practitioner and a Class Teacher, with the Head of School.

Fruit or vegetable snacks and one carton of milk per day are provided. Labelled water bottles remain accessible and are refilled during the day. Hot lunches are optional, carry an additional charge and are ordered through Parent Pay. Spare underwear is requested for accidents, with staff speaking discreetly to parents afterwards. Registration gathers medical and SEND information, including any MyPlan, MyPlan+ or EHCP, so families can share needs from the outset.

Attending Little Pickles does not guarantee a place at Longborough Primary School. Families must make a separate Reception application through Gloucestershire’s local authority. For September 2027 entry, the Common Application Form must reach the Access to Learning Team by 15 January 2027.

Nursery attendance gives no Reception priority for that intake. Oversubscription priorities cover looked-after and previously looked-after children, siblings attending the school, then distance from home. Shared school life is a transition experience, not an admissions advantage.

Summer attachment sessions help children prepare for starting school. Meetings involving parents, nursery providers and the school allow adults to exchange information about the child before the move.

Little Pickles operates Monday to Friday during term time, following NCSF term dates. Core hours are 8:45am to 3:20pm, and the nursery recommends at least two sessions each week. Eligible 15 or 30 hour funding applies to core sessions and excludes before-school and after-school clubs. Contact Little Pickles for current charges and funded-place information at littlepickles@ncsf.school or 01451 830097.

Registration is submitted to longboroughadmin@ncsf.school, normally with half a term’s notice; an earlier start can depend on space and completed paperwork. A responsible adult over 16 must bring and collect the child, registering them with staff and making themselves known at collection. Pack wellies, waterproof outerwear and spare clothes for a day that includes outdoor learning.