Parker's Church of England Primary Academy Nursery Review

Ladybirds shares an early years unit with the school's Caterpillar class, giving this pre-school a place within school life from the start. Parker's pre-school opened in 2024 and welcomes children from their third birthday. A family does not need a connection with the school or an address within its catchment to join.

The provision sits at Parker's Church of England Primary Academy in Saham Toney. A teacher who also holds the Head of School role leads the shared unit, with qualified teaching assistants providing support. This is a school-based arrangement, with the nursery day following the school's daily timetable.

Two three-hour sessions shape the day: mornings run from 8.50am to 11.50am, and afternoons from 12.20pm to 3.20pm. Between them is a separate lunchtime period, from 11.50am to 12.20pm. These distinct blocks give families a clear picture of where learning sessions end and lunch begins.

Ladybirds belongs to the shared Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit. Early reading has a named approach: Little Wandle Renewed Letters and Sounds is used across EYFS. For children, this means learning about letters and sounds as they begin to learn to read. That gives parents a concrete focus for the early reading part of their child's learning.

Outdoor learning also has a practical expectation across the school: children should keep waterproofs and Wellington boots there. Protective clothing is requested for art, with a plastic apron suggested for younger children. For parents, suitable clothing is part of preparing a child to take part in activities that may be wet or messy.

Families can arrange a taster session through the school office. For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), joining support can include extra visits spread over a longer period, contact with their previous setting and discussions between professionals before the child starts. Settling strategies may also be used. The support is tailored to individual needs.

Within the school's SEND arrangements, parents can raise concerns with the class teacher or arrange contact with the federation SENDCO. Where needed, a Personal Learning Plan brings parents and staff together to agree targets and support, with reviews each term. That gives families a recurring opportunity to discuss what is helping and what needs adjustment.

Food comes from the school's own kitchen, where Nourish Catering prepares meals. Parents book lunches through Parent Mail by midnight before the day required. Allergies or intolerances need an Allergen Aware registration form submitted to the office; the school and kitchen are nut free. Children under five receive free milk through the Nursery Milk Scheme.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Norfolk County Council, including when their child already attends the school's nursery. For September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027, with applications due by 11.59pm.

Shared teaching space and admissions are separate matters. Within the school's SEND transition arrangements, staff pass support information to the next teacher and hold a handover meeting. Children can meet their new teacher and spend time in their next classroom before the summer term ends. These practices support a change of class; they do not secure admission.

Enquiries and new starters are welcomed throughout the year. Contact the school office on 01953 881601 or at office@parkers.dneat.org to arrange a visit or taster session. Early Years funding is accepted, alongside tax-free childcare and voucher payments. The lunchtime period carries a separate charge.

For collection, the school's arrangements ask parents of younger children to stand where staff can see them, allowing a personal handover. School clothing guidance also asks families to label belongings, a useful precaution for boots, waterproofs and protective art clothing.