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Nursery at Norton Fitzwarren Church 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Pebbles for building, an allotment for exploring and a muddy area for play give Acorns its character. This is Norton Fitzwarren Church School's own preschool, with 24 places each day for children aged three and four. It forms part of the school rather than a separate childcare destination.
Space extends indoors and outside, with a field alongside the allotment and muddy area. These are places for children to investigate materials and living things, giving their play plenty to draw on.
Children's interests shape the learning. Acorns uses in-the-moment planning: adults respond to what catches a child's attention, then extend the activity through conversation and questions. A fascination with dinosaurs or a spider can become the starting point. Staff identify each child's next developmental steps, so the approach has individual direction alongside the freedom to explore.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning and care. It covers movement, communication and relationships alongside early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Play, interaction with adults and learning from other children all have a place. At Acorns, sticks, crates, tyres and stones provide materials children can use in different ways. Balancing pebbles into a tower involves testing shapes and sizes, then trying again when the structure falls.
Activities make that approach tangible. Children have investigated ice with small hammers, exploring texture and melting as they uncovered objects inside. Pumpkin exploration has involved tweezers, spoons and safety knives, with adults encouraging children to describe the pulp and seeds. These experiences connect hand movements with language and discovery.
Outdoors, children have gathered ingredients for blackberry playdough, then mashed, mixed and kneaded them. Conkers have become pretend cakes and objects for comparing weight and size. Gardening introduces seeds and the care plants need. In March 2023, Ofsted also noted that preschool children developed their understanding of numbers through their surroundings.
The team includes a preschool manager who also holds the SENCo and early years coordination roles, a Level 2 early years practitioner and an apprentice practitioner. This gives families a preschool contact for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), alongside the school's wider support structure.
Early identification matters here. In March 2023, support for additional needs began in the early years, helping children receive help promptly. The school's SENDCo can be contacted through the office and works on Thursdays and Fridays. Across the school site, wheelchair access, accessible toilets and changing facilities support children with physical or personal care needs.
Attending Acorns does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admissions priority. For September 2027 entry, families must make a separate application using their home local authority's Common Application Form, submitting it before 15 January 2027. Choosing the preschool and applying for school are separate decisions.
Where places are oversubscribed, the priorities cover looked-after and previously looked-after children, siblings attending the school at application, and distance from home. Nursery attendance is not a criterion.
Transition support serves a different purpose: helping children become familiar with school. Children are invited to settling sessions, and staff make home visits. For children already identified with a high level of SEND, a School Entry Planning meeting brings parents, preschool staff, school staff and involved professionals together to agree an action plan.
Acorns has an enquiry form for families interested in forthcoming places; a staff member follows up after submission. Enquiries can also go to the school office at enquiries@norton.bwmat.org or 01823 276611. The preschool is at Blackdown View, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, TA2 6TB.
Acorns caters for children aged three and four, with 24 places each day.
The preschool has a muddy area, an allotment and a field, alongside its indoor space.
Adults use in-the-moment planning, responding to children's interests while working towards each child's next developmental steps.
No. Nursery attendance does not confer priority or guarantee a place. For September 2027 entry, a separate application through the home local authority is required before 15 January 2027.
Complete the preschool enquiry form for a staff follow-up, or contact the school office at enquiries@norton.bwmat.org or 01823 276611.
