John Bear’s Nursery at John of Gaunt Infant and Nursery School

Play shaped by children’s interests gives John Bear’s Nursery its character, while a 50-week opening pattern gives families scope beyond school terms. This purpose-built nursery belongs to John of Gaunt Infant and Nursery School but has its own address on Norwich Road in Aylsham. Polar Bear and Panda Bear are its named rooms.

Since September 2024, children have been able to start in the term following their second birthday. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 December 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately graded nursery.

Children’s interests influence what they learn. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside Development Matters guidance, provides the framework for supporting individual development. In parent terms, the emphasis here is on learning through play, building conversation and becoming confident enough to choose an activity independently.

Language has a practical place in that play. In December 2023, adults developed children’s vocabulary, understanding and social skills as activities unfolded, helping them become more confident and make their own choices. Preparation for reading included songs, rhymes and recognising sounds. Those are manageable starting points for young children, with listening and speaking given attention before formal reading.

Outdoor exploration brings the approach into focus. During the December 2023 inspection, nursery children used a mud kitchen during forest school to make pretend food for Santa’s reindeer. It is a concrete example of imaginative play carrying learning. Covered outdoor learning areas and dedicated outside space give nursery activities room beyond the classroom.

Books also connect nursery and home. Children can select a nursery library book daily, and families can borrow from the Story Sack library to share at home. This gives parents something specific to enjoy with their child rather than leaving learning entirely within the session.

The team includes an operations manager, deputy managers with responsibility for the Polar Bear and Panda Bear rooms, teaching assistants and bank staff. Room leadership gives parents a clear team structure to recognise.

A daily diary activity involves parent and child together at nursery. The diary can go home during holidays and weekends so families can record achievements and memorable experiences. That creates a way for home life to contribute to the nursery conversation. Regular nursery information and updates are also shared through Facebook.

Food provision can include snacks, breakfast and tea, making it relevant to children attending at either end of the opening day. These are optional provisions rather than a promise that every child receives each meal.

A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place at John of Gaunt. Families must make a separate Reception application through Norfolk’s school admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Applications can be made online through Norfolk admissions, or using a paper form obtained from the council or school office. Treat that application as a separate decision from booking nursery hours.

Preparation for starting school has its own arrangements. During the summer term, families whose children will join in September are invited to a meeting, and new children have several opportunities to visit and meet their teachers. Familiarisation supports the change of setting; it does not secure admission.

Flexible attendance runs within opening hours of 7.30am to 6pm across 50 weeks. Five booking sessions divide that window: 7.30–9am, 9am–noon, noon–3pm, 3–4.30pm and 4.30–6pm. Families can therefore consider shorter sessions as well as attendance spanning several blocks.

A separate term-time option covers 38 weeks, with a minimum of 15 funded hours or 30 hours where eligible for the additional entitlement. Funded places of 15 and 30 hours are offered for children aged two and over, subject to eligibility. Extra attendance beyond funded hours can be accommodated; obtain current charges from the school.

Enquiries can begin with the Registration of Interest form, or by contacting the nursery on 01263 734028 or office@johnbearsnursery.org.uk.