Hornbeams Nursery at Hemington Primary School

Wellies belong on the kit list at Hornbeams: Forest School is part of the nursery experience, alongside learning through play in its room and outdoor spaces. This is Hemington Primary School’s own nursery for children aged two to four. Daily capacity is four children aged two to three and eight aged three to four, keeping the provision small.

Hornbeams sits within the school’s Nursery and Foundation Stage Unit. An early years teacher, a supervisor and assistants make up the team. At the Ofsted inspection on 5 and 6 June 2024, early years provision was graded Outstanding. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play has a planned purpose here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together communication, physical development, relationships and early learning through practical experiences. Children sort and compare objects, explore shape and counting, and experiment with materials by folding, cutting and joining. Programmable toys add another way to investigate how things work.

Adult-led activities sit alongside opportunities shaped around children’s interests. Longer-term planning works with in-the-moment planning, allowing activities to change with what catches children’s attention. Group sizes change too: a task may involve one child, a small group or a larger gathering. Observation checkpoints help staff track development and decide what comes next.

The room, outdoor spaces and forest area give learning different settings. Movement games support coordination, while role-play, dance and art offer ways to express ideas. Nursery children also have opportunities to sing and make music during the day.

In June 2024, early years children showed sustained concentration, growing independence and confidence. Stories extended beyond listening: indoor and outdoor activities supported retelling through play in the small world area. Adults adapted learning to children’s needs and modelled vocabulary in conversation. For parents, the useful combination is practical exploration with deliberate attention to language.

Settling starts with two free trial sessions, each lasting an hour from 2pm to 3pm. Children aged two to three initially attend half days for a month before full days can be considered; that period can be extended if needed. Three- and four-year-olds can attend full days when spaces are available. Families should allow for this staged start when arranging childcare.

Seesaw shares classroom photographs and learning updates through a closed account. ParentPay carries office communications, including closures and events, by email, and all parents must register. At lunchtime, children can bring a healthy packed lunch or have a charged hot school meal.

Additional learning needs are assessed individually. Support plans are developed with parents and reviewed each term, with the SEND coordinator working alongside teaching staff. Visual resources and personalised learning materials are among the options, giving families specific targets to discuss rather than a general promise of support.

Physical access. The Victorian building occupies a steeply sloping site, with a rear ramp and an accessible toilet. Wheelchair users need assistance between the road and site because of the gradient, pavement conditions and gate step. Families with mobility needs should factor that into their visit.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For entry in 2027-28, Hornbeams attendance gives fourth-ranked oversubscription priority, after looked-after and previously looked-after children, qualifying siblings and qualifying children of permanent staff. It is an admissions preference, not an automatic place.

Parents must make a separate application through their home local authority by midnight on 15 January for that admissions round. Somerset residents can use the Somerset application portal; families living elsewhere apply through their own authority. Keep the nursery booking and Reception application as separate tasks.

Hornbeams opens Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, during school terms. Funded and non-funded sessions are offered. Additional hours depend on space and staffing and cannot be guaranteed beyond the hours agreed at enrolment. Changes go through the school office and are confirmed by email.

The funding arrangements updated in November 2025 provide 15 universal hours for three- and four-year-olds, with 30 hours potentially available to eligible working families. Two-year-old funding has eligibility conditions. Non-funded hours and hot meals carry charges; consumables such as nappies are currently uncharged, although charges may be introduced. Ask the school for current charges.

Contact the office on 01373 834320 or office@hemington.mnsp.org.uk to enquire or arrange a tour. Collection must be by someone aged at least 16; tell the school beforehand if another person will collect your child.