Little Acorns Nursery at The New Forest Church of England Primary School

In December 2024, nursery children used a picture card to join the snack table: a small routine that helped them learn to manage their session. Children join from age two, with up to 28 children in a session, Monday to Friday. This is the nursery class of The New Forest Church of England Primary School, based at its Landford site on Lyndhurst Road.

In December 2024, Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Communication gives the day its clearest educational focus. In December 2024, nursery adults demonstrated accurate sentence construction, while children across early years enjoyed stories and were encouraged to ask questions. Talking is part of learning here. Adult conversations help children develop understanding across the different areas of early learning, rather than leaving curiosity as an activity in itself.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework. In practical terms, the evidenced nursery learning includes counting, recognising numbers and learning familiar routines alongside language development. Children learnt the snack routine quickly, placing their own picture card at the table before joining in. That is a concrete example of children taking responsibility for a small part of their session. In December 2024, adult support across early years helped prepare children for their next educational stage.

Trusting relationships begin in Nursery. In December 2024, children from Nursery onwards had formed close relationships with staff, giving the youngest children familiar adults to turn to. The nursery team includes a manager working Monday to Friday and nursery practitioners with different working patterns.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), parents can raise concerns with the class team or SENDCo. Support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle, with Individual Learning Plans where needed. Parents meet the SENDCo three times a year to discuss progress towards those targets. School facilities include accessible toilets, and teaching adaptations can include visual timetables or additional processing time. These arrangements provide practical ways to discuss and respond to a child's needs.

Lunch allows a family choice: hot meals are optional and charged separately, or children can bring a packed lunch. Menus rotate over three weeks, with meals booked ahead through ParentMail.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no admission priority for September 2027 entry. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority by 15 January 2027. Wiltshire residents can apply online through Wiltshire Council; families elsewhere apply through the authority where they live. Keep that application separate from booking nursery sessions.

Once a school place has been allocated, children are invited to introductory sessions in June and July. Home visits also give parents an opportunity to share information and staff a chance to learn about children's interests. This is preparation for starting school, rather than an admissions advantage.

Morning sessions run from 8:45 to 11:45, and afternoons from 12:15 to 15:15. The Short Day runs from 9:00 to 15:00; the Extended Day starts at 8:45 and finishes at 15:15. Breakfast Club runs from 7:30 to 8:45 and can be added to morning or full-day attendance. Eligible funded children can use funded hours for Breakfast Club.

Families request their preferred weekday sessions or extended hours on the nursery application form. Existing children seeking more hours receive priority, so the booking model depends on session availability.

Funding includes 15 hours for children aged three and four, with up to 30 hours subject to eligibility. Some two-year-olds qualify for 15 hours, and working-family funding for two-year-olds was extended from September 2025. Non-funded attendance and additional paid sessions are also possible; Tax Free Childcare payments are accepted. Contact the school for current charges.

For nursery enquiries, contact the Landford office on 01794 390303 or ks1@thenewforestschool.wilts.sch.uk. School visits can be arranged through the admin team.