Puffins Nursery at Bishop Henderson Church of England Primary School

Stories brought to life through drama give Puffins Nursery a distinctive starting point: young children hear new words, enjoy rhymes and begin to develop an interest in reading. This is the nursery at Bishop Henderson Church of England Primary School in Coleford, with provision for two- and three-year-olds.

In November 2025, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to meet the expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Language runs through the learning. Children aged two and three encounter stories and rhymes, while adults act out stories and demonstrate unfamiliar words in conversation. Reading begins with enjoyment. These activities give children ways to connect spoken language with characters and events, rather than treating books simply as something to listen to.

The early years curriculum supports both learning and personal development. In November 2025, children in Nursery were building foundations in numbers, writing and early reading. For parents, that means the learning has a purpose beyond keeping children occupied: it prepares the skills they will use as their education continues.

Outside space is another part of the setting's character. The school and nursery occupy grounds suited to outdoor learning and play, with varied outdoor areas. The school describes its curriculum as enquiry-based and aims to encourage independence and children asking questions about the world.

Early help matters here. In November 2025, early years staff recognised obstacles to children's learning promptly and arranged support to address them. Adults also worked with parents and carers, making family involvement part of the support around each child.

For a child with special educational needs or disabilities, parents can arrange a discussion with the school's SEND coordinator through the office. This provides a direct route for talking about individual needs before making a nursery choice.

Lunch can be part of the session. There is a morning option that extends through lunch and an afternoon option that includes it; hot dinners are offered. Those choices let families include a meal in the nursery day rather than ending the morning before lunchtime.

Attending Puffins Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the normal deadline. Treat choosing nursery and applying for school as two separate decisions.

Preparation for that change is a different matter. In November 2025, early years staff worked alongside parents and carers to help children make the move from Nursery to Reception smoothly. That partnership supports the transition; it does not secure admission.

Puffins operates during term time, Monday to Friday, between 8:45am and 3:00pm. Families can choose a morning from 8:45am to 11:45am, extend that morning with lunch until 12:45pm, take an afternoon including lunch from noon to 3:00pm, or choose the whole day from 8:45am to 3:00pm.

The lunchtime extension makes a practical difference to collection time, while the whole-day option avoids a midday collection. Term-time opening also means families needing holiday childcare must plan around school breaks.

Phone the school office to book a face-to-face tour. Contact the school for current session and meal charges.