Bridgemere CofE Primary School Nursery Review

A playdough table, a junk modelling area and space for outdoor exploration give Bridgemere’s nursery its practical, hands-on character. Children can join after their third birthday and belong to Class One, a mixed nursery and Reception class within the Church of England primary school. That shared classroom is an important part of the experience: the nursery sits within the school’s early years provision rather than operating as a separate setting.

Play has specific purposes here. Sticks, chalk and dance ribbons introduce the movements used in writing, while Finger Gym and Dough Disco support physical development. The classroom includes an area for imaginative role play, materials for making art and a junk modelling space where children can explore design. Outdoors, children have room to investigate their surroundings and try physical challenges.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical skills, relationships and early learning. Bridgemere uses Development Matters to guide this curriculum. Word Aware develops vocabulary; White Rose Maths introduces number; Music for Life supplies the music programme. These sit alongside creative activities and exploration of the world, so the day encompasses more than early reading and writing.

Read Write Inc has a nursery-specific starting point. Preschool children encounter Set One sounds, use Fred Talk games and share songs, rhymes and stories. This combines attention to sounds with enjoyment of books. In February 2024, Ofsted found that children across the early years developed writing skills, with attention to accurate letter formation and opportunities to practise. That finding covers the early years as a whole.

Relationships matter during settling. At the February 2024 inspection, staff relationships helped children in the early years feel secure within school. For children joining with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school’s transition arrangements include discussion with parents, information from previous settings and, where appropriate, sessions before starting. Children with greater needs may have an individual transition plan.

The class teacher is the first contact for families. Communication books provide another route for sharing concerns, and the SEND coordinator can become involved when more specific support is needed. SEN Support Plans are developed with families, using the Cheshire East Toolkit for Inclusion to guide adaptations. Support depends on the child’s needs: examples include visual timetables, sensory breaks and speech and language care plans.

Personal care is addressed too. Staff work with families on toilet training, and a Toileting Management Plan may be completed where intimate care is needed. Parents supply relevant equipment and spare clothing. Lunchtime care is an option within the flexible nursery offer; the school’s catering partner, Chartwells, operates a menu on a three-week rotation.

Sharing Class One can provide continuity of surroundings as children move through the early years. It does not guarantee admission to Reception. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; Cheshire East local authority administers the allocation of Reception places.

Transition support is a separate matter from securing a place. The school offers meetings and visits for Reception starters, alongside sessions for new pupils and an evening for their parents. For children with SEND, information sharing and individual planning can help prepare for the change.

Flexible nursery attendance includes the option of additional hours and care over lunchtime. This makes the booking pattern a relevant consideration for families balancing nursery with other care arrangements.

To enquire, telephone the school office on 01270 520271, email admin@bridgemerece.cheshire.sch.uk or use the contact form. Visits can be arranged by calling the office for an appointment. The nursery is part of the school on Bridgemere Lane, Bridgemere, Nantwich, CW5 7PX.