Bluebells Nursery at Lydd Primary School

A purpose-built nursery and two three-hour sessions give Bluebells its own shape within Lydd Primary School. This is provision for three- and four-year-olds at the school’s Skinner Road site in Lydd, with entry from the term following a child’s third birthday.

The admission limit is 26 children per session, although numbers can exceed that where space and staffing requirements permit. The school aims not to exceed 32 per session. Those are session capacities, rather than a count of children currently attending.

Children’s interests help shape the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Its seven learning areas give the nursery a framework for children’s development, while leaving room for what catches their attention. Art provides a concrete example: children explore texture and colour, practise handling simple tools and choose materials to express their ideas. Some activities start with the child; others are directed by an adult.

PlanBee is the school’s named art scheme, covering Early Years through to Year 6. For nursery children, the emphasis is on experimenting with materials and learning how to use them. This gives creative work a practical purpose as well as room for personal expression.

In September 2023, early-years experiences supported children’s movement, language and growing independence. Adult conversations and deliberately chosen activities helped most children develop their knowledge. The important detail is that learning involved both what children did and how adults responded to them.

Nursery teachers work alongside nursery keyworkers. During September 2023, information-sharing between the nursery and Reception helped children settle, form trusting relationships with adults and enjoy learning. That continuity matters when a young child is becoming familiar with school.

An Early Years and KS1 special educational needs coordinator provides a contact for families with concerns. Additional support is recorded on class Provision Maps, with interventions usually lasting 6–12 weeks before their impact and next steps are reviewed. Parents can begin by speaking to the class teacher and arrange a SENCo meeting through the office.

Support needs. In September 2023, school-wide weaknesses included insufficiently precise help for the weakest readers and support in lessons that was not achieving enough for a small number of pupils, including some with SEND. Families needing additional support should discuss how their child’s progress will be reviewed.

Attending Bluebells does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority simply through attendance. Families must make a separate application through the Kent Primary Admissions Scheme, using the online Reception Common Application Form. Those living outside Kent apply through their home local authority. The closing date is 15 January.

For September 2027 entry, applications open on 7 November 2026. Keep that application separate from the nursery’s transition work: sharing information between staff helps children adjust, but does not decide who receives a place.

Morning sessions run from 9am to noon; afternoons run from noon to 3pm. Bluebells operates during term time for 38 weeks a year, so families need to plan separately for school holidays.

Funded nursery education covers 15 hours from the term after the third birthday. Eligible families can claim up to 30 hours, with an eleven-digit eligibility code checked before the place is confirmed.

To discuss session availability or arrange a nursery visit, call the school office on 01797 320362. The nursery teacher/manager handles those discussions and visit arrangements.