Meldreth Primary School Nursery Review

Sharing and taking turns independently gives Meldreth’s early years provision its clearest character. At the November 2024 inspection, children sustained their attention and managed these everyday exchanges without adults stepping in. These are useful foundations for learning alongside other children.

Meldreth Preschool is the nursery provision at Meldreth Primary School, catering for children aged two to four. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 26 and 27 November 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school.

Morning and afternoon sessions each last three hours, while Half Day, Short Day and Full Day options provide different collection points. Families can therefore choose a shorter session or a longer day around their childcare needs.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets out adults’ responsibilities for supporting children’s learning, development, health and safety. Seven learning and development areas make up the framework. The preschool’s charging arrangements distinguish its EYFS curriculum from additional activities outside that curriculum. The November 2024 early years findings give a concrete picture of children’s social learning: they concentrated for sustained periods and related exceptionally well to one another. Independence was visible in their interactions, rather than depending on constant adult direction.

Regular attendance is part of the preschool’s approach to settling. Families are asked to book at least two morning or afternoon sessions each week for two-year-olds, rising to three for children aged three and four. The stated purpose is to help children become familiar with staff, friendships and routines, while giving practitioners regular opportunities to follow their development.

Food arrangements offer a choice. An optional school packed lunch or hot dinner is chargeable. For the shared fruit basket, parents are asked to send one or two pieces of fruit each week. Children younger than five receive a daily 189ml serving of milk through the Nursery Milk Scheme, free of charge. Families may also be asked to contribute towards care supplies, including sun cream, wipes or nappies, where applicable.

Attending Meldreth Preschool does not guarantee a Reception place at Meldreth Primary School. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate processes: families must apply again through the normal Reception application route and meet the normal deadline. Treat choosing preschool and securing a school place as separate decisions.

AM Session runs from 8:45am to 11:45am; PM Session runs from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Half Day finishes at 12:15pm after an 8:45am start. Both longer options also begin at 8:45am: Short Day ends at 2:45pm and Full Day at 3:15pm.

Funded provision operates during term time, across 38 weeks. The 15-hour arrangement comprises five mornings or five afternoons per week, starting in the term following a child’s third birthday. Eligible working parents can use 30 funded hours across the session options, subject to the daily funding limit.

Daily funding limit. No more than six hours per day can be funded. A Full Day includes chargeable additional time, so families choosing it need to account for that extra portion.

MagicBooking handles all preschool bookings. Changes to an attendance pattern require at least half a term’s notice, making advance planning important. Activities beyond the EYFS curriculum may attract an additional charge. Contact the school office at office@meldreth.cambs.sch.uk for enquiries and current charges.