Lickhill Primary School Nursery Review

A crooked tree house, a mineshaft and a fire circle give Lickhill’s Preschool a distinctive outdoor character. Children aged two to five can attend this school nursery in Stourport-on-Severn. Its emphasis is on social development alongside early learning, with the nursery aiming to help children become confident and ready to learn.

At the Ofsted inspection on 13 and 14 December 2023, early years provision received a Good judgement. This covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Choice and adult guidance share the session. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early writing, number work, creativity, books, communication and learning to interact with others. Children select activities around their interests, while staff use small groups, individual support and circle time to develop specific skills. That gives children room to explore alongside focused teaching.

Books have a clear place in Preschool learning. Rhymes and letter sounds begin informally; children start Read Write Inc. phonics once they show readiness. Parents support this by enjoying stories and rhymes together at home. Colour mixing, exploring emotions and listening to surrounding sounds add concrete examples of what children investigate.

Friday mornings bring Forest School: children search for small creatures, make animal shelters and explore natural materials. Alongside the tree house, mineshaft and fire circle, supervised exploration extends to a meadow and pond. An outdoor classroom supports activity through changing weather, and two trained Forest School leaders help children use equipment and try manageable risks. Preschool also has weekly playground and hall time, with dance, gymnastics, games and apparatus work, plus access to Active Playground equipment.

In December 2023, early years classrooms supported independent exploration and activities were planned effectively. Outdoor learning space had weaker planning. Outdoor provision. This remains a useful point to weigh alongside the specific Forest School experiences: facilities and the organisation of learning are separate considerations.

A key person is assigned children and their parents, giving families a regular relationship during transition into the setting. Observation then informs achievable learning targets. Preschool staff also work with parents and offer advice, making that relationship part of the learning process rather than an occasional exchange.

For children staying over lunch, families choose between a paid school meal and food brought from home. Send a water bottle bearing your child’s name and a nutritious break-time snack, and tell staff about allergies. This gives families control over lunch while keeping dietary needs explicit.

The school’s SEND support provides a route from classroom help to targeted interventions and, where needed, external advice. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher or seek support from the SENDCo. This is the school’s support structure, rather than a separate nursery service.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Lickhill. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Treat choosing Preschool and applying for school as two distinct decisions.

Preschool runs during term time, Monday to Friday. Choose a morning from 9am to noon, an afternoon from noon to 3pm, or a full day from 9am to 3pm.

For three- and four-year-olds, early education funding covers 15 hours weekly, with another 15 hours for qualifying families. Eligible two-year-olds can also receive funding. Contact the school for current charges; fees remain payable when a child is absent, whatever the reason.

Children can wear ordinary clothes or school uniform. Forest School calls for old clothing, wellingtons and a waterproof coat; waterproof trousers are supplied. Preschool enquiries go to 01299 871803 or office@lickhill.crst.org.uk.