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Nursery at Sir Robert Hitcham Church of England Voluntary Aided 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, a stage and a sit-in sandpit give this nursery its character: play has room to spread out. Nursery children belong to Violet Class, the early years provision at Sir Robert Hitcham Church of England Voluntary Aided School in Debenham, with 12 places in each morning and afternoon session.
For the September 2026 intake, eligible children were born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023. Families can choose how many sessions to take, making attendance adaptable to their child’s needs. Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 2 and 3 February 2023; that judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Purposeful play shapes the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines activities guided by adults with play children direct themselves. Staff respond to emerging interests and needs, so children have opportunities both to pursue an idea and to receive help developing it. Communication, movement and social development sit alongside early literacy, maths, creative work and understanding the world.
Two classrooms provide indoor learning space. A practical area with a kitchen accommodates cooking, snacks and messy activities, while indoor PE uses the School Hall. These are distinct places for different kinds of activity, giving the day more variety than classroom play alone.
Outside, children can garden, ride scooters and bicycles, and practise ball skills. A bug hotel adds something to investigate; chalk boards and a reading area bring mark-making and books outdoors. The shelter and reflective space sit alongside the more active equipment. Early years children also explore The Forest School within the grounds and use the school field.
In February 2023, teaching from early years adapted to children’s learning in mathematics and early reading, with practice helping them remember new material. Staff had training in teaching phonics, linking letters with sounds and supporting the beginnings of reading.
Settling starts before the first regular session. After a nursery place is offered, families are invited to a summer-term introductory meeting to meet early years staff and tour the school. Staff then agree times for the child to visit. This gives parents an opportunity to discuss starting nursery and children a chance to become familiar with it.
The team includes early years teachers and a nursery nurse. Short messages can be passed to staff at the main entrance; private or longer discussions can be arranged with the class teacher through the office. Cooking and snack times use the practical kitchen area.
For children needing additional help, the school can use individual teaching or small-group support. An individual support plan is usually provided where needs require something additional or different, with parents involved in a review each term. The SENCo can be reached through the office, providing a route for discussing a child’s needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application, including when their child already attends this nursery. Apply through Suffolk County Council at www.suffolk.gov.uk/admissions and meet the deadline for the relevant entry year. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.
Attendance is during term time, with the nursery operating from 9am to 3pm. Morning and afternoon sessions each have 12 places, and families can request as few or as many sessions as suit them.
Three- and four-year-olds have a 15-hour weekly early education entitlement; eligibility conditions apply to the additional funding that can bring this to 30 hours. Families claiming Early Education Funding must complete a Parent Authorisation Form.
Nursery visits can be arranged with the school. Contact the office on 01728 860201 or email admin@sirroberthitcham.suffolk.sch.uk. Early years children receive adult support getting from the front door to their classroom. Parents record authorised collection adults and tell the office about changes, keeping the handover arrangements clear.
There are 12 places for each morning and afternoon session within Violet Class.
Yes. Families can apply for as few or as many sessions as suit them and their child. The nursery operates during term time.
The outdoor area includes a mud kitchen, stage, bug hotel and sit-in sandpit, with space for cycling, scooting and gardening. Early years children also use The Forest School and school field.
After a place is offered, parents are invited to a summer-term meeting with early years staff. Staff agree convenient times for the child to visit the nursery.
No. Parents must apply separately for Reception through Suffolk County Council and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year.
