Stepping Stones Preschool at Weedon Bec Primary School

Sensory play, outdoor learning and conversation give Stepping Stones its character. Based inside Weedon Bec Primary School, the preschool caters for children aged 3 and 4, with a limited number of places for 2-year-olds. Children take part in school activities while following a curriculum adapted to their own interests and needs.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 6 and 7 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Dimensions is the named curriculum approach, combined with children's interests. In practice, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning and development together through play and adult interaction. Sensory experiences sit alongside opportunities to develop language, explore ideas and become more independent.

The classroom and outdoor space both have activities and resources set up for children to use. Resources change with children's interests and learning needs, giving adults opportunities to extend an activity as it unfolds. Outdoor play is something the preschool explicitly values. Learning therefore has space beyond the classroom.

Adult conversation makes a difference. In June 2023, staff used exchanges during play skilfully to strengthen children's communication and language. Activities were chosen effectively across the learning areas. One example involved retrieving stones from sand with tweezers: a small, absorbing task that exercised precise finger movements. The point was practical development through play. Children in early years were well prepared for their next stage of learning.

Support for additional needs sits within the school's SEND arrangements. The special educational needs co-ordinator works with families, teachers, teaching assistants and external professionals where needed. That gives parents a route for discussing concerns and coordinating support around their child.

Physical access. The school is currently unsuitable for wheelchair access. Families whose child needs this should factor the building's accessibility into their choice.

Hot dinners can be booked through the school caterers for an additional charge. Consumables, including nappies, carry no charge, so these routine care supplies do not add an extra cost.

For communication, Class Dojo carries school news. Urgent messages should go to the office by telephone, because teachers cannot respond during teaching time. Safeguarding leads have deputy cover when absent, providing a route for concerns about a child's welfare.

Attending Stepping Stones does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process, using West Northamptonshire Council's online route.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was midnight on 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past. Nursery attendance and the Reception application remain separate decisions.

Being on the school site allows the early years team to build relationships with children from a young age. That familiarity is useful preparation for change, but it should not be treated as an admissions advantage.

Universal funding for 3 and 4-year-olds starts in the term after their third birthday, providing 15 hours each week over 38 weeks. Eligible working families may receive 30 funded hours. Funded and paid hours can be combined, with additional wraparound care charged separately.

Working-parent eligibility must be reconfirmed every 3 months through the HMRC Childcare Account; missing reconfirmation leads to charges for the place. Parents must also complete the Parental Declaration Form so the school can claim their funding. These administrative steps matter as much as choosing the hours.

For enquiries and current charges, contact the office on 01327 340547 or email office@weedon.innovatemat.org. School tours can be arranged through the office.