Maple Tree Primary School Nursery Review

Two classrooms that can open together or work separately give Maple Tree’s pre-school room to organise learning around different age groups. Known as Mulberries, the provision occupies a purpose-built building close to the school’s main entrance on Hawk Drive in Sandy. A secure outdoor area extends its space for play throughout the year.

The nursery belongs to Maple Tree Primary School. In September 2023, its provision included children aged two. Its character comes from play, practical exploration and adults helping children take their next step towards independence.

Play provides the starting point. Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework for early learning, development and care. They explore their own ideas, while adults offer guidance and help them practise new skills. That gives children scope to make choices alongside support when a task becomes difficult.

Construction makes this approach concrete. Indoors, children experiment with construction kits and recycled modelling materials, using tools for cutting and joining to work out how to put their ideas together. Outdoors, forest school activities include building dens and making villages. These are practical opportunities to choose materials, solve problems and construct something with a purpose.

Language develops through shared listening and conversation. At the September 2023 inspection, pre-school children used stories and rhymes to begin distinguishing the sounds within words. They also explored the past through stories and putting events from their own lives in order. Early learning connects to experiences children already understand.

Adults observe children’s learning and use what they notice to adjust activities around their interests and development. The school aims to encourage curiosity and independence, with play giving children opportunities to investigate, persist and try out their own solutions.

Getting familiar with the classroom begins before children start: parents and carers are invited to a session with their child. This gives families time to explore the setting together and meet other parents. Relationships with parents and a key person form part of the early-years approach, supporting children as they become more independent.

Communication includes conversations in person and electronic updates through Marvellous Me. Parents’ evenings provide opportunities to discuss learning and progress. These different routes help families connect what happens in the nursery with their child’s experiences at home.

For children with SEND or additional needs, detailed conversations with families cover targets and progress. The school’s SEND team can meet parents and direct them towards specialist services. Its external partnerships include Speech and Language Therapy and the Early Years SEND Support Team, giving families routes to discuss support beyond the classroom.

Attending Maple Tree’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery entry and Reception admission are separate processes: families must make a fresh application through the normal Reception admissions route by the applicable deadline.

The pre-school aims to help children prepare for that transition. For children with SEND, additional transition arrangements are made where needed. Support with the move is separate from the allocation of a place.

The school office handles enquiries by telephone on 01767 699806 or email at office@mapletreeprimaryschool.com. New parent tours can be booked by calling the office, giving families an opportunity to meet the school before making their choice.

Maple Tree Primary School is on Hawk Drive, Sandy, SG19 2WA.