Langtree Community School and Nursery Unit: Nursery Review

Acorns gives Langtree’s nursery provision its own identity within the school. Based on Fore Street in Langtree, the nursery forms part of the Foundation Stage Unit at Langtree Community School and Nursery Unit. Children normally start in the term following their third birthday, with earlier entry possible in certain circumstances. That qualification matters for families considering a younger child’s start.

Taking turns and expressing ideas are concrete strengths of the early years experience. At the July 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children developed these skills very well and were ready for their next educational stage. For a nursery child, that means preparation involves learning alongside others and communicating what they understand, as well as early reading.

Reading has a clear place in that preparation. In July 2023, the early reading programme included early years children, with staff explaining how letters connect to sounds. The programme aimed to develop both fluent reading and understanding. This gives parents a specific picture of the learning emphasis: social communication sits alongside the foundations of reading.

Parents can take an active part in the first steps into nursery. They are encouraged to remain with their child initially while the child settles, allowing the start to include a familiar adult rather than requiring immediate separation.

Acorns has nursery practitioners, including a role combining nursery practice with administration and an EYFS safeguarding Level 3 designation. The wider school team also includes a SEND coordinator and inclusion lead. These are distinct responsibilities within the staffing structure, giving families identifiable roles for nursery care and additional support.

Langtree’s approach to special educational needs and disabilities applies across the school. Its policy includes identifying children’s needs, making reasonable adjustments for disabilities and supporting participation in activities. Families whose child has substantial sensory, mobility or physical difficulties are advised to make contact well before admission so consultation can take place.

Support also involves work with other services. Langtree lists experience of working with Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychology and the Physiotherapy Team. These links matter where a child’s needs require input beyond the nursery team. Parents can approach the office or arrange a discussion with the SEND coordinator.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process during the academic year before their child starts school. The application window runs from 15 November to 15 January for the following September.

Application timing. Late applications are considered after those submitted on time. Families should therefore keep the Reception deadline separate from their nursery arrangements; attending Acorns does not replace that application.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school on 01805 601354 or email admin@langtree-school.org. Nursery demand can exceed the places available, in which case the County’s oversubscription criteria are used.

The school calendar places autumn half-term on 26 to 30 October 2026, with the term ending on 18 December. These dates give families useful planning points for the months ahead.

Absence reporting follows a telephone routine: contact the school promptly, preferably before 9.15am, and leave a message if the call is unanswered. Repeat the call each day of absence or lateness. Email is not the school’s route for reporting absence.