Studham Village CofE Academy Nursery Review

Play that children can stay absorbed in sets the tone at Studham’s preschool, Hedgehog Class. Adults join children’s chosen activities to extend their learning, rather than interrupting an engrossing activity for an assessment task. The nursery says children’s wellbeing comes first. This makes their interests the starting point for learning.

The preschool belongs to Studham Village CofE Academy on Church Road, Studham, and welcomes children from the term following their second birthday. At the Ofsted inspection on 1 and 2 October 2024, early years provision was judged Outstanding. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision together, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework guides Hedgehog Class: learning is matched to children’s development, with early language and literacy among its aims. The nursery’s approach gives children time to pursue their own activities while adults play alongside them and help take their ideas further. For parents, the practical distinction is that adult involvement happens within children’s play.

Stories, poems and rhymes give the day a clear language focus. In October 2024, nursery children encountered these to develop new vocabulary, with skilled adults helping them use unfamiliar words. Listening and talking are learning activities here, rather than simply preparation for later reading.

Afternoon mixing with Reception gives preschool children opportunities to explore the Reception classroom and meet its children. There have also been experiences beyond the classroom: preschool children joined a school pantomime outing supported by the PTFA. These are concrete examples of participation in the wider school, rather than a promise of a particular trip schedule.

Settling starts at home. Two staff members visit the family, dividing their time between gathering information from the parent and playing or talking with the child. A parent and child then join an hour-long stay-and-play session, meeting other children and seeing how the preschool works.

Time apart builds around the individual child. Staff and parents agree what suits them, gradually increasing attendance towards the sessions requested, with no fixed settling deadline. This gives families a staged introduction rather than expecting immediate separation.

The preschool team includes an Early Years Educator and a higher level teaching assistant. In October 2024, adults working with the youngest children knew them closely and matched activities to their next developmental steps. The youngest children’s additional needs were identified accurately, allowing support to begin promptly. Parents can contact the SEND coordinator through the school office or at sendco@studhamschools.org.uk.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must apply separately through Central Bedfordshire Council’s School Admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year.

Classroom familiarity is a separate benefit. Afternoon contact with Reception lets children become acquainted with the room and its pupils before a possible move. It supports preparation for change; it does not secure admission.

Preschool opening hours are 8:55am to 3pm each weekday. Families request sessions, and the settling process builds towards that chosen attendance pattern.

Eligible two-year-olds may receive fifteen funded preschool hours; eligible three- and four-year-olds may receive thirty. Eligibility checks and Central Bedfordshire parent declarations form part of the funding process. Ask the school for current charges.

For an enquiry or a visit appointment, contact the office on 01582 872337 or school@studhamschools.org.uk. Collection by another representative requires advance notification to the office or class teacher. If a child needs medication during attendance, parents must complete and return the permission form.