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Nursery at Samuel Pepys School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, communication and individual learning targets shape the early years at Samuel Pepys School. This is nursery provision within a specialist school on Cromwell Road in St Neots, where education starts at age three and pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The school supports children with moderate or severe learning disabilities, including profound and multiple learning disabilities.
Families help develop each child's targets and support strategies alongside staff. That gives the nursery's play-based learning a personal focus: the skills a child needs, rather than a single pace for the class.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is adapted to individual learning needs. Children learn through play, with accessible spaces both inside and outdoors. Early learning skills are developed through this approach, while targets drawn from each child's EHCP help guide the wider curriculum. For parents, the connection matters: play and individual priorities form part of the same learning plan.
Communication takes several forms. Signing, photographs and symbols support spoken language across the school, giving children different ways to understand and participate. In December 2024, Ofsted identified clear language modelling and effective early-years support that helped children communicate through speech, signing or devices. Adults also read books to children, who enjoy the stories and begin learning sounds for reading. These are concrete foundations for expressing needs and engaging with books.
The school’s specialist facilities include a Soft Play Room, a hydrotherapy pool and the MiLE Room, a sensory learning environment. Outdoors, there is an accessible area for horticulture and Forest School. Use of specialist facilities depends on the needs identified in a child's EHCP; these are school resources, rather than a fixed nursery activity schedule.
Settling begins before the first school day. Families are encouraged to visit, staff undertake a home visit, and children have opportunities to spend time in their new class. This gives the family and staff a chance to begin working together while the child becomes familiar with the setting.
Learning Journals bring early-years staff and families together to record achievements. Evidence for Learning also records progress, while home-school diaries, telephone calls and email provide ongoing contact. An annual EHCP review and two consultation evenings each school year create further opportunities to discuss learning and support.
Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and physiotherapy may be provided according to EHCP needs. Families also help develop behaviour strategies for use at home and school, with professional input where appropriate. The aim is continuity across the child's day. Staff train in positive behaviour management using Team Teach, with two senior staff acting as in-house trainers. In December 2024, children in the early years were learning behavioural expectations and everyday routines quickly.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Samuel Pepys names the START Team at Cambridgeshire County Council, the Statutory Assessment and Resources Team, as its school admissions route. Contact the team to establish the next placement process and any application requirements or deadlines for your child.
An EHCP review involves the pupil, family and other professionals in considering whether the provision meets the child's needs. This discussion about support is separate from any entitlement to a place.
The school’s contact hours are Monday to Friday, 8:50am to 3:15pm. Its school-day timetable includes transport, breaks and lunch within those hours; education transport is handled before family transport at both ends of the day.
Early-years uniform includes a royal blue cardigan or sweatshirt, a white or pale blue polo shirt, and dark grey or black bottoms. Plain polo shirts are accepted, so a school logo is optional on those items. Label clothing, bags and shoes.
Contact the school office on 01480 375012 or office@samuelpepys.cambs.sch.uk for enquiries. Admissions enquiries can go to START on 01480 372600 or start@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
The school's specialist provision starts at age three. Pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan.
They follow an adapted EYFS curriculum through play, using accessible indoor and outdoor learning spaces.
The school encourages family visits, undertakes a home visit and provides opportunities for children to spend time in their new class before starting.
No. Contact the START Team at Cambridgeshire County Council to establish the next placement process and any application requirements or deadlines.
Early-years Learning Journals record achievements with families. Home-school diaries, calls and email support regular contact, alongside an annual EHCP review and two consultation evenings each school year.
