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Nursery at Thomas Bullock Church of England Primary and Nursery Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A growing farm, meadow and forest give The Ark Nursery a distinctive setting for early learning. Children aged 2 to 4 attend this school-based provision at Thomas Bullock Church of England Primary and Nursery Academy in Shipdham, with outdoor exploration alongside short teaching sessions and play.
The nursery belongs to the Nightingale Federation. A nursery class teacher works with teaching assistants, while the federation has an EYFS lead. Older nursery children take part in collective worship and school lunchtimes, giving them opportunities to share the wider school's routines.
The day begins with children registering themselves using their photograph or name on a tens frame. Counting the group, discussing the weather and a wake-and-shake activity follow. Read, Write Inc phonics, literacy and maths inputs alternate with activities children choose and activities adults introduce or lead. Snacks, tidying together and carpet sessions for stories or songs punctuate the day. Afternoon attendance adds a topic teaching session and further indoor and outdoor activity choices.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical development, communication and relationships with early literacy, maths, creative activity and understanding the world. Here, topic plans can change around children's interests and needs. Whole-group teaching, smaller groups and individual work sit alongside play, so the nursery day has both a planned direction and room for children to pursue an idea.
Language gets specific attention. Adults demonstrate complete sentences, encourage children to contribute ideas and revisit phrases from familiar stories through role play. Read, Write Inc includes Fred Talk: children hear a word broken into sounds and work out the word. The phonics picture chart is positioned at children's eye level, making it accessible during sound activities.
Outdoor access is free-flow, with weekly sessions in the meadow, forest and growing farm led by a qualified Forest School teacher. Norfolk Music Hub provides a weekly music lesson; weekly PE uses REAL PE & Jasmine. These give music, movement and outdoor learning their own places in the week.
Families can book a free trial session through the office. Tapestry connects home and nursery through photographs, videos and written observations of learning and play. Parents can add moments from home too, giving staff material for conversations with their child.
At lunch, children can bring a healthy packed meal or have a charged school meal prepared in the on-site kitchen. All-day attendance includes lunch supervision at no additional charge; the meal itself is a separate choice.
Toileting. Children joining from age two on a privately funded basis must be fully or partly toilet trained. Staff can help with toilet training, but children wearing nappies are accepted only where there is an underlying medical or individual need. This condition matters when deciding whether to book.
The SEND coordinator works directly with the early years team, and nursery children can access specialist early years and whole-school support. Partners include Beacon House, the Benjamin Foundation and speech and language professionals. Individual support plans involve families in reviews, with meetings half-termly or more often where appropriate, giving parents a regular opportunity to discuss support and next steps.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority: Norfolk residents can apply online or on paper through Norfolk County Council, with Suffolk County Council handling applications from Suffolk residents. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027.
One oversubscription criterion covers children due to start school who live outside the school's catchment and attend a DNEAT school when the admissions round opens. This is a conditional criterion, rather than a promise of admission for nursery families.
Preparation for the move is separate from allocation. Children joining Reception visit several times, with additional visits possible for children with SEND. Staff exchange information with the previous setting, and photographs of classrooms and staff help children become familiar with what comes next.
Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45; full-day attendance runs from 08:45 to 15:15. The nursery operates during term time for 38 weeks, with funded and self-funded places. Government funding is accepted for eligible children aged 2, 3 and 4.
Wraparound sessions cover 07:15 to 08:45 and 15:15 to 18:00, staffed by familiar academy adults. Book nursery places in advance through the office on 01362 820300. Visits and free trial sessions can also be requested.
Changing sessions. Cancelling or adjusting attendance normally requires at least four weeks' notice; shorter notice may be accepted if spaces permit. Missed sessions cannot be exchanged for another session, including absences for illness or appointments.
Ark Nursery uniform is available through Birds in Dereham. Choose clothes children can manage themselves, and provide waterproof outerwear, wellies and spare clothing in a labelled bag. These practical choices support outdoor activity and independent toileting.
Children aged 2 to 4 can attend.
Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45, and full days from 08:45 to 15:15. Wraparound care covers 07:15 to 08:45 and 15:15 to 18:00. The nursery opens during term time for 38 weeks a year.
Government funding is accepted for eligible children aged 2, 3 and 4. Funded and self-funded places are available; contact the school office for current charges.
Families can provide a healthy packed lunch or order a charged meal from the on-site kitchen. Lunch supervision is included for children attending all day.
No. Families must apply separately through the local authority. For September 2027 entry, applications must reach Norfolk or Suffolk County Council by 15 January 2027.
