Pembroke Park Primary School Nursery Review

Play with room to choose shapes the nursery at Pembroke Park: children spend much of their learning time choosing between indoor and outdoor activities. This is an on-site provision for three-year-olds, managed by the school, with capacity for 24 children in each session. Nursery has its own class, separate from Reception.

Early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 13 and 14 December 2023. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Choice is built into the learning approach. Children can follow their interests indoors or outside for most of the time, while adults organise individual and small-group activities alongside that independent play. Whole-class phonics and mathematics activities punctuate the free-choice learning. The result is a day that combines children's own decisions with time learning together.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) follows Development Matters guidance. In parent language, this means attention to talking and listening, movement, emotions and relationships, alongside early reading, numbers, creative work and understanding the world. Activities are adjusted around both the curriculum and children's interests, so play has a learning purpose rather than simply filling the session.

Books provide a concrete thread through this approach. In December 2023, carefully selected stories and rhymes were helping early years children extend their vocabulary and become curious about learning. For a three-year-old, that makes listening and conversation part of the educational work, alongside the more recognisable beginnings of literacy.

Tapestry records observations during the week, giving parents a connection to their child's learning. Class Dojo carries class updates, pictures and event reminders; its translation function supports families who use English as an additional language. Families receive their login details when their child starts.

Additional needs sit within the school's support structure. The SENDCo is a qualified teacher, and the trust's arrangements involve parents in reviewing support through three meetings each year for children on the SEND register. This gives families a regular opportunity to discuss needs and progress. Across the school site, wide corridors, a lift and accessible play areas support children using wheelchairs or walking frames.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the 2027/2028 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027; Wiltshire families can apply online through Wiltshire Council.

Preparation and allocation are separate matters. The nursery encourages families to practise independence gradually through everyday routines. Where a child needs additional help settling into Reception, parents are encouraged to share information with the new teacher so that support strategies can be discussed. Familiarity with the school does not replace the application.

Two sessions run each day during term time: the morning runs from 8:40am to noon, and the afternoon from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. These are distinct session windows, an important detail when planning family schedules and collection arrangements.

For enquiries, contact admin@pembrokeparkprimary.net or telephone 01722 324050. School tours can be arranged by emailing two or three possible dates and times; a leadership team member books a suitable slot where diaries permit. A tour gives families an opportunity to discuss the nursery's play-based approach and see the school setting.