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Nursery at Hoe Bridge 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
The Hideout, an outdoor classroom beneath a huge parachute, gives Hoe Bridge's youngest children somewhere distinctive to explore. This is the school's term-time nursery for children aged 2 to 4, with Twigs followed by Acorns across a two-year programme. It sits within Pre-Prep on the Hoe Bridge estate.
Keep the two nursery options separate when choosing: Hoe Bridge's term-time provision occupies the Hoe Bridge site, while Greenfield Little School provides care throughout the year. The merger announced for September 2026 places those provisions on different sites. This review focuses on Twigs and Acorns.
Play supplies the starting point for learning. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children explore numbers, language, science and creative activities; the school describes its approach as child-led. Staff follow children's interests while tracking their developing skills and needs, so choices about play sit alongside individual planning.
The physical provision extends beyond the classroom. Nursery has enclosed outdoor learning space, toilets and changing facilities, with access to the Pre-Prep library, music room and sports hall. The 22-acre estate also includes a meadow and woodland walk. Together with The Hideout, these give outdoor learning several different settings.
Specialist PE happens twice a week, using introductory gymnastics and games to practise coordination and balance. Weekly music brings percussion, rhymes and songs, with children clapping and moving to a beat. Nursery assemblies and shared celebrations, including Harvest and Pancake Day, add occasions to take part with the wider Pre-Prep.
An individual learning plan is overseen by a key nursery staff member who also handles parents' questions and keeps track of the child's wellbeing. That gives families a consistent point of contact. Staffing ratios are 1:4 for two-year-olds and a maximum of 1:13 for older nursery children.
Familiarity starts before the first term. Children attend settling sessions with parents in autumn, spring and summer during the preceding academic year; home visits also help teachers learn about their interests and needs. Once attending, families can speak with staff at collection and drop-off. Tapestry carries photographs, videos and progress updates, alongside termly parent meetings and an annual written report.
Everyone has a morning snack. Children staying all day eat food prepared on site, with nursery staff serving at the table and encouraging new tastes and table manners. Lunch becomes part of learning to share a meal. At the March 2024 ISI material change inspection, safeguarding arrangements supported individual needs, including in early years, and suitable supervision ratios were in place.
Hoe Bridge operates an automatic progression arrangement: children attending its nursery move into its Reception. This is a specific school admission arrangement, rather than an assumption families should make about school nurseries generally. Nursery children do not follow the separate registration process described for new entrants to Reception.
Familiarisation is a separate benefit. Settling sessions before Reception give children opportunities to meet teaching staff and other children across the preceding autumn, spring and summer terms.
Morning registration is at 8:55am, with early drop-off from 8:20am. Half-day collection is 12:15pm, before lunch; full-day collection is 3:15pm. Breakfast Club begins at 7:30am and after-school care extends to 6:30pm, allowing families to build care around the nursery day.
Twigs attendance is flexible. Acorns requires at least three mornings until October half term, then five mornings or three full days; summer attendance increases to five mornings plus any three afternoons. Check the intended pattern against family working hours before committing.
From 1 September 2026, the term-time nursery offers only universal funding of 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds. Funding begins in the term following the third birthday, with funded morning time applied between 9am and noon. Charges are billed across three terms and include morning snacks and lunch for full-day children. Contact the school for current charges, including wraparound care. The admissions enquiry form allows families to request a private tour or call; Pre-Prep enquiries go to 01483 227938.
Twigs and Acorns cater for children aged 2 to 4. Children normally join in September following their second birthday.
Half-day children leave at 12:15pm before lunch. Full-day children finish at 3:15pm, with after-school care available until 6:30pm.
Yes. Hoe Bridge's nursery admission arrangement provides automatic progression into its Reception.
From 1 September 2026, it offers universal funding of 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds. This differs from Greenfield Little School's funding arrangements.
A key nursery staff member is the main contact. Families receive Tapestry updates, termly parent meetings and an annual written report, and can speak with staff at drop-off and collection.
