St Rose's Special School Nursery Review

Children with and without special educational needs learn together at St Rose’s Nursery. That mix defines this provision on the St Rose’s Special School site at Stratford Lawn in Stroud: it caters for two-, three- and four-year-olds, including mainstream children and children with additional needs.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 3 and 4 June 2025. In June 2025, many nursery children did not have SEND, and children developed language and social skills well. Caring friendships across different needs were a clear strength. For families, inclusion here means a shared nursery experience.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for learning. In the nursery, that includes developing communication and relationships, alongside practical exploration. A June 2025 example captures the physical side: children explored how to move beneath a parachute as it filled and emptied with wind. Movement becomes something to investigate.

Shared school resources extend the learning environment beyond a nursery room. The outdoor classroom and sensory garden sit alongside extensive grounds; indoors, shared facilities include an immersive room, a dark room and a sensory room. A hydrotherapy pool is also among the resources shared by children aged two to 19. These are shared facilities, so access should not be read as a fixed nursery timetable.

Individual needs shape support. St Rose’s assesses children separately and makes adaptations wherever possible, rather than treating additional needs as a single category. Across the school, teachers and speech and language therapists support children who need Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), using either electronic aids or simpler communication tools.

Tapestry provides electronic communication between home and school. Parents can also discuss progress or concerns informally with teachers, giving families a way to connect learning and care across the two settings. The Nursery Manager holds the designated safeguarding lead role for children; mandatory child protection training and regular safeguarding updates apply to all staff.

Snack and lunch are included. Parents supply nappies, wipes, feeding equipment and other personal items their child needs, so those everyday consumables remain part of the family’s preparation.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the route and by the deadline that apply to their chosen school. Treat that application as a separate decision from booking nursery sessions.

For families seeking a specialist placement at St Rose’s School, referral, assessment and local authority funding form the placement process. An offer depends on the school being able to meet the child’s needs. Once funding is confirmed in writing, transition visits are arranged, with their length and format tailored to the child.

Gradual moves from nursery to school are part of St Rose’s transition practice. Staff discuss how best to support each child’s move. That preparation supports the change of setting; it does not secure admission.

Opening hours are 9am to 3.30pm, term-time only, with flexibility over hours. Government-funded places are accepted for eligible two-, three- and four-year-olds, and the funded entitlement described is 15 hours per week. Additional hours can be purchased; contact the school for current charges.

Booking commitment. Sessions agreed at registration become permanent bookings, with a month’s notice required for increases or reductions. Extra sessions requested occasionally depend on availability and the Nursery Manager’s discretion. Ending a booking requires one term’s paid notice in writing.

Other costs. Trips and visits can attract additional charges, and absences for sickness, family holidays or bank holidays do not reduce fees. Enquiries can go to the school office on 01453 763793 or admin@stroses.org.uk, or through the enquiry form.