Little Conkers Nursery at Ruskington Chestnut Street

Three indoor classrooms, a woodland play space and a dedicated outdoor area give Little Conkers a day shaped by exploration. The nursery belongs to Ruskington Chestnut Street Church of England Academy and forms part of its Forest Foundation EYFS unit. Children can also use the school hall, field and Green Room, extending their learning beyond the nursery classrooms.

At the school's Ofsted inspection on 17 and 18 January 2023, early years provision was graded Good. Nursery-specific findings included purposeful activities, suitable resources indoors and outside, and staff who developed children's language through thoughtful questions. Those details matter more than a whole-school headline: they describe how adults support young children as they play and learn.

Play provides the starting point. Staff join children's activities, introduce vocabulary and help take an idea further. Topics respond to children's interests and seasonal events, giving them a part in shaping what they explore. This makes conversation part of learning, rather than something reserved for a separate lesson.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning about feelings and relationships with movement, language, early reading and writing, number, creativity and understanding the world. Little Conkers uses continuous provision: children return to learning opportunities across the year, practising skills and developing their own ideas. The aim is to build independence and problem solving through repeated experience.

Space supports that approach. Alongside the classrooms and outdoor area, the unit has a sensory room and woodland play space. PE uses the hall and field; the Green Room provides another setting for activities and reflection. Children therefore have places for physical activity, exploration and quieter moments. In January 2023, adults' questioning helped children develop communication skills, while their relationships with children were positive and affectionate.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are included in nursery life, a finding confirmed in January 2023. The school involves parents when identifying additional needs and planning support. Its approach follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle, so adjustments can be reconsidered as a child's needs become clearer.

Pupil Passports record children's strengths, interests and difficulties. SEND progress is reviewed at least three times per year, giving families recurring opportunities to discuss support. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher or contact the SENCo through the office.

Food is part of the extended day: Early Birds includes a warm breakfast, while Night Owls provides healthy snacks. A member of the wraparound team has completed the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Lincolnshire County Council. For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that cycle has passed.

Familiarisation is a separate matter. After a place is confirmed, families join the school communication app, where the EYFS team shares classroom photos and videos. A May welcome meeting is followed by June transition visits and a visit to the child's nursery. July brings a Teddy Bears' Picnic. These steps help children recognise people and spaces before starting school; they do not secure admission.

Early Birds and Night Owls wraparound sessions accept children from age 3 and take place in the EYFS unit. Activities include creative work and access to the forest school area and outdoor provision, allowing the extended day to use familiar surroundings.

For enquiries, telephone 01526 832424 or email enquiries@chestnutstreet.laat.co.uk. Visits can be arranged through the school office. Families use MCAS (My Child at School) for correspondence, forms and notifications, while messages for teachers can also be sent through the office.