East Harling Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Five mornings a week, an enclosed outdoor play area and a class of up to 26 children give East Harling’s nursery a clear shape: a school nursery built around morning learning. Pippins is the nursery class at East Harling Primary School and Nursery on Gallants Lane. Children can join from the term after their third birthday.

The nursery has its own class teacher. Early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 22 and 23 November 2022. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Adult-directed activities sit alongside activities children choose themselves. Equipment and learning resources support preschool learning, while the enclosed outdoor play area gives children space to play outside as part of their nursery experience. This combination makes room for both adult guidance and children’s own interests.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) includes learning to communicate as well as beginning work with reading and mathematics. In November 2022, children heard stories and sang songs to develop communication, with teaching each day in maths, reading and the current topic. Adults checked individual needs and changed activities accordingly, so teaching could respond to the child rather than follow one fixed task for everyone.

Jigsaw provides the basis for personal, social and health education across EYFS. It is adapted for children in rural Norfolk and linked to No Outsiders, which uses picture books to explore inclusion, tolerance and diversity. Stories therefore have a role beyond early reading: they also introduce ways of understanding other people.

Learning purpose. In November 2022, some early years activities caught children’s interest but lacked a sufficiently clear learning aim. Staff training was required to help children gain and rehearse knowledge and skills through the activities available for them to choose. Engagement alone was not enough.

Warm adult relationships supported children’s willingness to learn in November 2022. A mid-morning drink and snack are part of the nursery routine, with a voluntary contribution towards their cost.

For additional needs, the school aims to recognise barriers early and involves families when concerns arise. Its wider support network includes the Inclusion Team, an Educational Psychologist and Dyslexia Outreach. Parents can contact the SEND coordinator through the office; classroom concerns go first to the child’s teacher. These give families distinct routes for discussing everyday learning and additional support.

Compass carries school emails and texts to parents and carers, including urgent messages. The headteacher leads safeguarding, with the deputy headteacher providing cover; families are encouraged to raise child protection concerns directly.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Norfolk County Council, using its online route or the form sent home, and meet the normal application deadline. Application information normally arrives in September of the year before the child starts school, including for families already attending nursery. Plan this as a separate step.

Sessions run Monday to Friday, 8.55am to 11.55am, totalling 15 hours a week. Children’s 15-hour early years entitlement can be used here, and paid sessions are also offered. Contact the school for current charges.

Childcare hours. The Den, the school’s club before and after lessons, excludes nursery children. Families needing care beyond the morning session must factor that restriction into their plans.

The school handles nursery applications and keeps a waiting list. For enquiries or to arrange a visit, contact the office on 01953 717221 or office@eastharling.norfolk.sch.uk.