Little Lambs at Maranatha Christian School

A garden facing open fields and daily prayer give Little Lambs its own character: outdoor exploration sits alongside an explicitly Christian nursery day. This is Maranatha Christian School’s Early Years Centre in Sevenhampton, serving children aged 3–5. Faith shapes ordinary interactions as well as organised activities. For families choosing it, that daily religious emphasis matters as much as the surroundings.

Little Lambs aims to support children’s spiritual development alongside their learning and relationships. Bible stories, songs of worship and prayer are daily activities, making Christian belief a practical part of the experience rather than simply the school’s identity.

Play and exploration drive the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. In parent terms, children learn through doing: practical maths develops early number skills, phonics introduces reading, and expressive activities give them ways to communicate. Physical, emotional and social development sit alongside literacy. The intention is to build the foundations children need for learning and getting along with others.

Indoor play is complemented by the garden overlooking fields. Children have opportunities to move and explore outdoors, while the classroom gives them scope to choose activities. Those choices matter: they let children practise independence within an adult-supported day.

The ISI inspection of 31 October to 2 November 2023 found that early-years children progressed well, with learning tailored to their interests and needs. Staff used questions to extend vocabulary, and children developed listening and concentration. Assessment in early years was systematic and effective, helping staff adjust teaching to children’s needs.

Craft provided a concrete example of that learning: children made lanterns and handled the materials confidently, demonstrating control in their small hand movements. Outdoor play supported physical development too. These are useful foundations for both everyday independence and later classroom tasks.

In October and November 2023, early-years staff worked together to help children settle promptly; children felt secure and happy attending. Adults demonstrated considerate behaviour and helped children practise cooperation.

Children were encouraged to talk about their feelings, with staff helping them choose appropriate responses. Kind actions were celebrated, and sharing and listening were explicitly taught. This gives the social side of the nursery day a clear purpose: learning to play together is part of the education.

Support for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in early years included activities adapted to individual needs at that inspection. Little Lambs also emphasises partnership with parents across learning and faith. Across the school, staff undertake accredited safeguarding training annually, with refresher sessions during the academic year.

Attending Little Lambs does not guarantee a Reception place at Maranatha Christian School. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process, meeting the applicable deadline. Families should keep the choice of nursery and the application for a school place as separate decisions.

Little Lambs offers up to 30 hours of free childcare for eligible children aged 3–4, subject to availability. Eligibility can be checked through Childcare Choices. Contact the school for current charges.

Visits can be arranged directly with Little Lambs. Call 01793 762075 or email earlyyears@maranathaschool.org to make an enquiry or arrange to visit. The school address is Queenlaines Farm, Sevenhampton, SN6 7SQ.