Fledglings Nursery at Salhouse CofE Primary School

Children’s interests give Fledglings its starting point, with adults using conversation to take learning further. This is Salhouse CofE Primary School’s own nursery, managed by the school and based on its site on Cheyney Avenue. Children can start from two years of age.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 12 and 13 November 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Play and planned learning work together here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for children’s development: learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently sits alongside early mathematics, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. It gives learning a purpose beyond the activity itself.

Children have opportunities to choose activities, work with friends and learn alongside adults, both indoors and outside. Guided activities also help them tackle their next steps. Planning takes account of children’s strengths and interests, so what catches a child’s attention can become a starting point for learning. Continuous Provision is the named approach used to encourage independence, enquiry and problem solving.

In November 2024, conversations with skilled staff helped nursery children deepen their learning. Teaching drew on what interested children while keeping clear knowledge goals in view. The practical strength is the adult’s contribution: children’s play becomes an opportunity to extend their thinking and language.

Observation helps staff decide what comes next. They watch children during play, discuss their learning and use those observations to shape subsequent activities, with support for individuals or groups where needed.

Tapestry gives parents an online learning journey for their child. Staff share observations of development, helping families see how learning progresses rather than relying only on a finished piece of work. The school aims to build its early years curriculum around children’s experiences at home as well as their previous learning.

Fledglings has an Office and Administration Manager whose responsibilities include special educational needs coordination and deputy safeguarding leadership. An Education, Learning and Development Manager also holds deputy SENCO responsibilities. These roles give learning, additional needs and safeguarding defined places within the nursery team.

Multi-agency working forms part of the early years approach to children’s welfare and development. A nursery safeguarding lead is also designated. In November 2024, safeguarding arrangements across the school were effective.

Attending Fledglings does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. School admissions are handled by Norfolk County Council. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.

The school office is the enquiry contact on 01603 720402 or office@salhouse.norfolk.sch.uk. Visits to see both the school and Fledglings are welcomed, giving families an opportunity to look around the provision before deciding.