Hutchinson Memorial CofE First School Nursery

Mud-kitchen play, a story circle and a classroom shared with Reception give this nursery its character: outdoor exploration alongside an introduction to school life. Hutchinson Memorial takes children aged 3 and 4, with flexible attendance and participation in whole-school activities. The nursery belongs to the Church of England first school in Checkley.

In May 2024, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good. That judgement covered early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children’s learning followed a planned sequence, and staff adapted activities to their needs. For parents, the useful distinction is between this early-years judgement and the school's overall Requires Improvement outcome.

Play carries most of the learning. A dedicated early-years classroom and shared outdoor learning area provide the setting for construction, pretend play and storytelling. Den building and the mud kitchen give children practical reasons to talk, make decisions and work together; the story circle gives stories a physical place in the day.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the nursery curriculum. Here, that means an emphasis on learning to communicate, developing confidence and building the language needed for later reading and writing. Singing, stories and conversations during play support that work. Activities take account of children’s interests and their next steps.

White Rose Maths provides the named approach to mathematics. Early-years experiences involve counting, comparing, recognising patterns and exploring shape, keeping ideas practical. In May 2024, staff used their knowledge of individual children to plan learning and develop language throughout activities; both indoor and outdoor resources supported the curriculum.

Nursery children also join school worship, singing and PE, as well as shared snacks and lunch. Christian worship is therefore part of their experience. Weekly outdoor sessions call for wellies and waterproof clothing, making weather preparation part of the family routine.

Familiarity is the nursery's stated aim for settling: children learn school routines and become accustomed to the shared classroom and activities. The school aims for them to enjoy the experience and feel settled. This is an introduction to the people and routines around them, rather than a promise about how quickly any individual child will adjust.

In May 2024, early-years staff knew children closely and kept regular contact with families across the year. That combination matters when a child needs activities adjusted or parents need to share a concern. The staff structure includes a Foundation Stage Teacher and a Deputy Head Teacher who also holds the Inclusion Lead (SENDCO) role.

Lunch and snack time are shared school experiences. School meals are cooked on site each day, with menus rotating over three weeks. Families should check current nursery meal charges before booking. For safeguarding concerns, parents can contact the office and request the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the deadline for their child's entry year. Treat that application as a separate decision from nursery booking.

Sharing a classroom with Reception children provides everyday familiarity with the space and routines. That practical transition experience does not secure admission. Curriculum continuity. In May 2024, some later subjects did not build consistently on early-years learning. Families should keep that distinction in mind alongside the positive early-years judgement.

Flexible nursery places include 15 funded hours and 30-hour term-time places, subject to eligibility. Funding begins in the term following a child's third birthday. Sessions beyond funded hours attract charges; contact the school for current charges. Parents using the working-parent entitlement must reconfirm eligibility every three months.

Nursery children wear school uniform and PE kit. Burgundy knitwear, grey bottoms and a white shirt or polo form the main uniform; black shoes complete it. The PTFA supplies pre-loved items, offering another way to equip a child.

For nursery enquiries, email office@hmfs.i2e.org.uk or telephone 01538 722385. Nursery admission and booking forms support arranging a place. Agree the attendance pattern before organising the rest of the family's childcare.