Church Lane Primary School & Nursery: Nursery Review

Repeated practice, new vocabulary and growing independence give Church Lane’s nursery its character. This is the school’s own provision in Sleaford, with pre-school sessions for children aged three and above. Families can choose a morning, an afternoon or a longer day, making the session pattern a practical part of the decision.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 25 and 26 February 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the learning. Its areas bring together language and communication, physical development, relationships and emotions, alongside literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, the point is that learning extends beyond early reading and number work: movement, conversation and social development also have a place.

Continuous provision is the named approach. Children return to skills across the year, practising them daily or weekly rather than meeting them only in a single activity. Church Lane aims to use this repeated practice to develop independence, creativity and problem solving. It gives children opportunities to build on familiar learning.

In February 2025, nursery learning was characterised by activities designed to spark curiosity and develop skills and vocabulary. The early years findings also highlighted preparation for children’s next stage. The emphasis is on learning through purposeful activity, with language development woven into the experience.

Lunch can be a hot meal or a packed lunch brought from home. That gives families choosing the longer session a concrete choice about how their child eats during the day. Hot lunches carry an additional charge.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school aims to make the EYFS accessible through support matched to individual needs. The school aims to review needs and progress through individual targets, Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) and care plans where appropriate, and to involve parents in planning and support while working with other professionals and services. The intention is to give families a role in shaping the support their child receives.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, by the applicable deadline. Lincolnshire Local Authority operates the school’s admissions arrangements, so choosing nursery should be treated as a decision about the nursery experience rather than securing the next place.

Half-day sessions run from 8:30 to 11:30 or 12:15 to 15:15. The Short Day runs from 9:00 to 15:00, while the Full Day spans 8:00 to 18:00. These are distinct options: the longer day provides substantially more time than the morning or afternoon session.

Funded morning and afternoon sessions use the same half-day times. Where funding applies, the corresponding non-funded session charges do not apply; hours around funded sessions are charged separately. The funded 9:00 to 15:00 option includes a charged lunch or the choice to bring a packed lunch. Contact the main office for current charges or to request a different session pattern.

Charges are billed monthly after the sessions, no deposit is required, and fees remain payable during absence. For enquiries or to arrange a visit, contact the school office on 01529 302696.