Bunbury Aldersey CofE Primary School Nursery

A start from age two brings Bunbury Aldersey’s youngest children into a Church of England school community on School Lane in Bunbury. The nursery opened in November 2024. Its character is tied to the school’s Christian ethos: Bunbury aims to value each child individually and build relationships with families, giving parents a clear sense of the values surrounding nursery life.

Stories and rhymes are concrete parts of the nursery experience. Children hear stories and learn rhymes, making early encounters with books and spoken language part of their learning. These activities prepare children for later phonics, so the emphasis begins with listening and language rather than simply looking ahead to a school place.

In January 2025, children across the early years developed very positive approaches to learning quickly. That finding concerns the early years collectively; it should be read alongside the specific nursery activity of sharing stories and rhymes.

Support for additional needs has a defined sequence across the school. Parents begin by discussing concerns with the class teacher. A First Concerns Profile can bring together a child’s strengths and difficulties, with agreed short-term targets and the help needed to work towards them. Progress is typically reconsidered after 6-8 weeks. A further cycle of the same length may follow, allowing the team to assess how the support is working.

Continuing concerns lead to a meeting involving parents, the teacher and the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO). Inclusion on the SEN register follows consultation with parents. An individual Special Educational Needs Support Plan records the agreed outcomes and support, making the next steps explicit rather than leaving families with a general promise of help. Children’s views contribute wherever possible.

Usually, pupils with SEN have three support review meetings each year; outside agencies may also take part. For complex needs recognised through the support plan and agency involvement, the SENCO guides families through assessment towards an Education, Health and Care Plan. The local authority makes the final decision. The school building is accessible to all children, an important physical consideration for families whose child has mobility needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the local authority for the county where they live, following the normal Reception application process and its deadline. Learning within the school and securing a school place are separate matters.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is past. If applications exceed the places available, allocation follows the school’s oversubscription criteria. Parents who do not receive their preferred place have a right to appeal.

The school office is the enquiry route: telephone 01829 260524 or 261332, or email admin@bunburyaldersey.cheshire.sch.uk. Prospective families can arrange a school visit through the Principal, giving them an opportunity to discuss their child’s needs before choosing the provision.

Collection requires an agreed arrangement. Foundation Stage children must be accompanied to and from school and cannot be left alone on the premises. Handover is to named adults, or an older sibling aged at least 14 whom staff consider suitable. Older brothers or sisters in school cannot collect younger siblings. Parents must notify the school of alternative collectors; an unexpected collector waits while their identity is checked. Notify the school immediately in writing of any changes to collection arrangements.