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Nursery at Abbots Farm Infant School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Speech, listening and learning to take turns give Abbots Farm Preschool its starting point. This is the on-site nursery at Abbots Farm Infant School in Rugby, with children able to join from their third birthday, subject to space. Each session accommodates no more than 24 children. The preschool class is called Caterpillars, with a teacher, an early years educator and preschool assistant support.
In May 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to meet the Expected standard, including its preschool. Children experienced attentive, purposeful exchanges with adults who understood their individual starting points. That matters here: learning begins with knowing what each child can already do.
A three-hour session provides the basic rhythm. Children choose resources and activities through continuous provision, meaning learning opportunities remain accessible while adults also bring children together in smaller groups and as a whole group. Phonics and number work sit within that pattern. Choice and planned teaching share the session.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach combines play, exploration and developing learning habits. Preschool children have a daily phase 1 phonics activity focused on awareness of sound. In May 2026, speech development, listening and turn-taking were clear preschool priorities; adults extended vocabulary and encouraged fuller sentences. These are practical foundations for joining conversations and explaining ideas.
Physical learning has its own place. GetSet4PE includes preschool dance, ball skills, games and gymnastics, with two PE lessons each week, one involving a sports coach working with a staff member. Children can practise skills in their year group's outdoor area. The foundation-stage outdoor learning space includes climbing equipment and a wooden house, providing physical features alongside classroom learning.
Indoors, EYFS classrooms have writing areas, with early mark making encouraged outside too. Jigsaw 3-11 supports learning about feelings and relationships. Classes have a Jerry cat, a Jigsaw friend and a chime bar for calm time; classroom Zones of Regulation displays and an accessible calm box give children prompts and activities for managing emotions.
Settling starts before the first session. Families are invited to Stay and Play and encouraged to visit with their child; a home visit and completed paperwork are required before the start date. These steps give families contact with the setting before regular attendance begins.
By May 2026, children in early years were settling promptly, and close work with parents helped connect learning at home and in the setting. Provision included children facing barriers to learning. The preschool welcomes children with special educational needs and disabilities and works with families and professionals to consider their needs. Families can also access support with difficulties at home, including individual guidance, referrals and foodbank vouchers.
Meals depend on the session booked. Standard half days exclude lunch; extended half days and both full-day patterns include a hot meal. At Bug Club, breakfast is provided in the morning, while later snacks include vegetables or fruit and sandwiches or toast. A familiar adult accompanies preschool children between the club and classroom and remains until they settle, giving the change of setting some continuity.
Attending Abbots Farm Preschool does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing the preschool and securing a school place as separate decisions.
Readiness is a different question. In May 2026, early-years children progressed securely from their starting points and were prepared for the move to Reception. Preschool work on listening, speaking and taking turns supports that preparation; it does not confer an admissions entitlement.
Preschool operates in term time. Standard half days run from 8:45am to 11:45am or 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Extended half days run from 8:45am to 12:30pm or 11:45am to 3:30pm. The funded-only full day finishes at 2:45pm after an 8:45am start; the extended full day runs from 8:45am to 3:30pm.
The booking pattern is between three and ten consecutive sessions weekly, with at least three expected. Universal funding covers 15 hours from the term after a child's third birthday, with a form completed each term. Funding can be divided between two providers within that total. Extended sessions add a charged 45 minutes of childcare to the funded hours. Ask the school for current charges.
Bug Club extends care between 7:45am and 6:00pm. The 30-hour entitlement can cover club hours, subject to terms and conditions. For enquiries or to arrange a visit, contact the school office on 01788 543093 or email admin2410@welearn365.com.
Children can start on their third birthday if space is available. Funding begins in the following term.
No more than 24 children attend any one preschool session.
A hot meal is included with extended half days and both full-day patterns. Standard half days do not include lunch.
Yes. Wraparound care runs between 7:45am and 6:00pm, with an adult accompanying preschool children to and from their classroom. Use of the 30-hour entitlement for club hours is subject to terms and conditions.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions process by its deadline.
