Little Seahorses Nursery at Chapel St Leonards Primary School

Choosing what to explore is part of the learning at Little Seahorses. Children make plans for their play, then adults help develop their language and ideas as they put those plans into action. This is Chapel St Leonards Primary School’s own nursery, on Amery Way in Chapel St Leonards.

The age range runs from 2 years 9 months to 4 years, with funded children able to join from the term following their second birthday. There are 13 places for children aged 3 and 4, plus 3 reserved for funded two-year-olds. Provision follows the school terms, so families need to plan separately for holidays.

Plan-Do-Review gives children a say in their session. They choose areas to investigate and play in, with adults supporting their exploration. Group teaching and independent activity both feature. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the school aims to develop decision-making alongside early reading, writing and number skills: learning includes considering choices and finding ways to carry out ideas.

A sample morning begins with self-registration, followed by Plan-Do-Review. Snack and a small-group activity come next, then free-flow activity and a story or music. The afternoon follows a similar pattern, with time for free flow before snack and group learning. This gives each session a recognisable sequence while leaving room for children’s choices.

Nursery life also extends into the school’s shared spaces. In December 2025, Little Seahorses joined Starfish in the hall for Breakfast with the Elves, with dancing and party games after breakfast. That was a specific celebration, rather than the everyday timetable.

An EYFS and nursery lead works alongside two nursery supervisors and a nursery assistant. One supervisor also holds a deputy safeguarding role, linking the nursery team with the school’s safeguarding structure.

Preparation starts with everyday independence. Families are encouraged to practise putting on coats, using cutlery and toileting, alongside conversation, sharing and talking about feelings. At snack time, children receive fruit or vegetables each day and school milk, which is free until their fifth birthday. Children staying all day have a lunchtime break.

For children with additional needs, EYFS observations and assessment tracking help identify support. Social communication games and Sensory Circuits are among the approaches used to support learning and regulation. Targets are discussed with the class teacher, SENDCo and parents, giving families a role in reviewing their child’s support.

Attending Little Seahorses does not guarantee a Reception place. For the 2027-28 intake, nursery attendance gives no priority under the oversubscription criteria, and families must submit a separate school application. Lincolnshire residents can apply through the county council’s school admissions service online, by telephone or using a paper form; families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority. Apply again through that route by the normal deadline.

Transition support is a separate matter. EYFS visits can be arranged during the term before children start, and families have an information event before September entry. Relevant paperwork and advice from involved agencies help staff plan additional support where needed. Familiarity and preparation support the move; they do not change how places are allocated.

Nursery learning sessions run from 8:50am to 11:50am and from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. All-day attendance and charged wraparound care are also offered. Contact the school for current charges. For nursery enquiries, telephone 01754 872429 or email enquiries@chapel-cit.co.uk; school tours can be booked through the office.

Two-year-old funding applications go through Lincolnshire’s Parent Portal. For eligible three- and four-year-olds seeking 30 hours, apply for a code through Childcare Choices before the relevant term begins and reconfirm eligibility every 3 months. Funding details and proof of age must reach the nursery before a child starts.

School uniform is required, together with weather-appropriate clothing. Children also need wellies, outdoor trainers, a book bag and reading diary. Label belongings clearly. Water bottles stay at nursery during the week and go home on Fridays for washing, making that a regular task for families.