Little Bells Nursery at Belvidere Primary School

Woodlands sessions, a named key person and shared activities with Reception give Little Bells its character: early learning with outdoor exploration and familiar relationships. This is Belvidere Primary School’s own nursery in Shrewsbury, with provision for three- and four-year-olds. Children can also join at the beginning of the term containing their third birthday, with charges applying to this Rising Three entry.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 11 and 12 March 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Two sessions shape the day. Morning learning runs from 9.00am to 11.30am; lunch occupies 11.30am to 12.30pm, followed by the afternoon session from 12.30pm to 2.45pm. This gives parents a clear distinction between learning sessions and lunchtime care.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning through exploration and play with developing language, movement and social confidence. Literacy and maths sit alongside creative expression and understanding the world. The emphasis is broader than preparation for reading: children also practise thinking, trying things and building relationships.

Woodlands sessions take learning into a natural setting, with seasonal discovery and opportunities for children to make choices about their exploration. The nursery aims to build confidence through practical experiences, including appropriate challenge and risk. Outdoor learning has a named place in the curriculum.

In March 2025, adult exchanges with nursery children helped them get started in learning, while appealing activities encouraged persistence and curiosity. Established routines supported their approach to learning. Matching activities to children’s needs. Some early years activities did not fit children’s learning stages or the intended curriculum, limiting progress across parts of their learning. Families should consider this alongside the positive findings.

Each child has a key person who helps them become familiar with Little Bells, adapts care to their needs and keeps parents updated. The team includes a teacher in charge, a deputy and teaching assistants, with key-person responsibilities among the deputy and assistants. Families have a regular contact for concerns.

Settling begins gradually: children have different starting points so staff can give newcomers individual attention. Parents may remain until they feel their child has settled. Tapestry extends that relationship beyond conversation, sharing photographs, observations and achievements; parents can contribute pictures and videos from home to help staff plan learning.

Wellcomm assessments check speech and language and guide any intervention needed. This gives language support a specific starting point. At lunch, children can bring their own food or have a hot meal. The on-site kitchen prepares meals fresh, with three daily choices, including a vegetarian option, across a three-week rotation. Hot meals require advance payment through Arbor.

Attending Little Bells does not guarantee admission to Belvidere’s Reception class. Parents must make a separate application for full-time education through the normal admissions process. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.

Shared activities between nursery and Reception children help make the next stage familiar. Little Bells uses these experiences to prepare children for school life. That practical preparation is distinct from securing a place.

Little Bells operates five days a week and expects regular attendance. Families can register around their child’s second birthday and return the nursery application to the school office. Parents and children can arrange a visit by contacting the school.

Eligible children can use up to 15 funded hours weekly over 38 weeks. Lunchtime care may be included. Eligible families can also access up to 30 hours, using an online eligibility code to reserve a place. Extra sessions depend on availability and are charged by the hour, with payments through Arbor weekly or monthly. Contact the school for current charges.

Staff meet children at the barrier from 8.45am and bring them to the gate at 2.55pm for collection. An intercom at the barrier allows parents to request collection from Little Bells; tell staff if another person will collect your child. Uniform includes a red sweatshirt and white polo shirt with grey or black bottoms. Label clothing and footwear.

For enquiries or to arrange a visit, call 01743 365211 or email admin@belvidere-pri.shropshire.sch.uk.