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Nursery at Rothersthorpe Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Explorers brings preschool and Reception together in one class at Rothersthorpe Church of England Primary School. That shared class structure gives the nursery a clear place within the school, rather than a separate identity alongside it. The preschool describes itself as small and caring, with a village character.
Church Street is its home. The wider school's hall doubles as the village hall, a concrete link between the school and its surrounding community.
Early reading begins in preschool. Floppy Phonics is the named programme, introducing children to the relationship between written letters and spoken sounds before they learn to combine sounds into words. The May 2025 inspection confirmed that preschool children were included in the school's emphasis on phonics. For parents, this means early reading forms part of the nursery's learning, rather than waiting until school entry.
Number learning has a similarly connected approach. White Rose Maths supplies the teaching sequence, with Twinkl used for supplementary material, across a curriculum that starts in preschool. The approach connects practical representations, pictures and mathematical notation, giving children different ways to understand a mathematical idea. Discussion and mathematical vocabulary are part of that approach too.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) work includes communication, physical development and creative expression. Music connects these areas through rhymes, singing and making music together: children can practise language, express feelings and develop movement skills through the same activity.
Explorers' personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) has practical aims. The school wants children to explain their needs and feelings, build friendships and use words to resolve simple disagreements. Learning to tell an adult when somebody is hurt, and taking responsibility for a tidy classroom, turn those aims into everyday actions. These are useful foundations for participating in a group.
The Explorers staffing structure includes a teaching assistant with a Level 3 nursery qualification and paediatric first-aid training. For additional learning needs, parents can meet the class teacher or special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) to discuss concerns, agree support and consider referrals. Parents are also encouraged to raise concerns early, giving them a direct part in planning help.
Communication has practical boundaries. Urgent messages go to the office by telephone; staff aim to acknowledge other messages within two working days, while a full reply can take up to ten working days. Families should use the telephone when something needs immediate attention.
Food offers a choice: parents can send a packed lunch or purchase a hot meal through the school caterer. Snacks carry no charge. Consumables, including nappies and sun cream, are supplied by parents, so these remain part of preparing for the nursery day.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, using West Northamptonshire Council's online application route.
Sharing Explorers with Reception is a classroom arrangement, not a promise of admission. Keep the application process separate from the decision to attend preschool.
Funded provision operates during term time over 38 weeks, with up to 30 hours each week depending on entitlement. The universal offer for three- and four-year-olds begins in the term after the third birthday; eligible working families may access the extended entitlement. Funded and purchased hours can be combined.
Additional attendance beyond entitlement and optional hot meals attract charges. Occasional fundraising may involve voluntary donations. Ask the school for current charges. Working-parent eligibility must be reconfirmed every three months, and a parental declaration is needed for the school to claim funding.
Preschool enquiries go through the school office: telephone 01604 830995 or email office@rothersthorpe.innovatemat.org.
Yes. Explorers includes both preschool and Reception children.
No. A separate Reception application is required through West Northamptonshire Council's online admissions route.
Children begin phonics in preschool using Floppy Phonics.
Yes. Families can provide a packed lunch or purchase a hot meal through the school caterer. Snacks are free.
Yes. Families can combine them, with additional hours charged when attendance exceeds their funding entitlement. Contact the school for current charges.
