Long Melford Church of England Primary School Nursery

Children’s interests help shape the learning at Fox Cub Nursery: staff combine what catches a child’s attention with the nursery curriculum, then use observation and conversation to decide what comes next. That gives the provision its character.

Fox Cub is the pre-school part of Long Melford Church of England Primary School’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children can start in the term following their third birthday. The nursery has an EYFS lead, a nursery team and a lunchtime supervisor, giving families a school-based team around the nursery day.

The EYFS is the nursery’s early learning framework. Here, its practical expression is a curriculum shaped around children’s interests, with adults watching their learning and joining in to support the next step. The nursery describes an approach centred on each child’s needs as well as their interests. Observation has a purpose: it helps staff decide how to extend the learning rather than simply record an activity.

Earlier nursery activities give a concrete picture of this approach. In January 2022, children explored the woodland walk in wellies, searched for worms and used sticks to make marks in the ground. They also climbed trees, collected litter and watched wildlife. The woodland supplied both physical activity and things to investigate.

In March 2022, Pattern Detectives took their search indoors and outside, finding patterns in their surroundings and making their own. These examples connect exploration with early learning through things children can handle, notice and try themselves.

Tapestry connects observation in nursery with home. Staff use it to record children’s learning and encourage links with families, so communication can focus on the child’s next steps as well as what they have done.

For children needing additional support, the school’s SEND process starts with discussion between the class teacher and the special educational needs coordinator. Partner agencies may be approached with parental permission; extra help follows where appropriate, and parents receive progress updates. Families can arrange a discussion with the coordinator through the office or email senco@longmelfordprimaryschool.co.uk.

Aspens supplies school meals, including an Allergy Free Menu for children with allergies involving the main 14 food allergens. Children with nut allergies only can remain on the core menu because Aspens runs nut-free kitchens. Allergies outside that group require a bespoke menu request supported by medical evidence. This makes discussing dietary needs part of planning a child’s lunch. Rainbow After School Club also serves a snack during its first session, with options including crumpets, sandwiches and vegetables with dips.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Suffolk’s local authority admissions process, meeting the January closing date for the following September. Treat this as a separate family task, even when your child already attends nursery.

Families can choose half-day or whole-day attendance. Morning nursery runs from 8:45am to noon; the afternoon starts at noon. Both 15-hour and 30-hour funded sessions are offered, with additional sessions available to purchase. Ask the school about current charges.

Rainbow Club extends care across school days, with breakfast provision beginning at 7:30am and after-school care finishing at 6pm. Nursery children can attend. Bookings and payments use My Child at School, and the nursery allows these sessions to be covered through the 30-hour funding scheme or purchased separately. That gives working families an option beyond the nursery session itself.

To arrange a nursery tour, telephone 01787 379929. Nursery application forms should be returned to bursar@longmelfordprimaryschool.co.uk.