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Nursery at Beaucroft Foundation 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Making a choice, expressing a need and learning to manage a change shape Beaucroft’s early years provision. Total Communication brings together picture exchange, signing and communication aids, giving children different ways to participate. Learning follows each child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), rather than a single pace for the class.
This provision sits within Beaucroft Foundation School, a special school in Colehill whose school age range begins at four. Its early years provision received a Good judgement at Ofsted’s inspection on 21 and 22 November 2023. In November 2023, children’s communication activities encouraged them to work out how to request something and persist with developing their skills. Independence has a practical purpose here.
Play provides the starting point. Early Years Foundation Stage planning draws on Development Matters and the Early Learning Goals: development is approached through exploration, interaction and achievable learning steps. Connecting Steps also informs the planning, while individual EHCP goals determine each pupil’s curriculum. Attention, memory and understanding cause and effect are explicit learning priorities.
The three-year topic programme includes Dinosaur Stomp! and Sunshine and Sunflowers, giving exploration a changing focus. Children build with Lego, investigate sand and water, and make models with clay or recycled materials. Soft play includes large foam shapes. These experiences give children materials to handle, choices to communicate and opportunities to explore how things fit together.
Reading follows readiness. Read Write Inc supports children ready for phonics, while See and Learn provides a whole-word approach for others. Communication methods include Signalong, PECS and objects of reference, so participation can take different forms.
Learning also extends beyond the classroom. Every early years class takes a weekly minibus outing, which might involve shopping or exploring somewhere new locally. RDA lessons and trampolining at a local sports centre add movement experiences. These activities create opportunities to practise skills in settings beyond school.
Predictable routines sit alongside individual sensory support. Zones of regulation and sensory diets are used to support emotional regulation; children also practise dressing, feeding and toileting with personalised help. Care routines therefore become opportunities to develop self-help skills.
Speech and language therapy and occupational therapy contribute to early years learning. Beaucroft employs a full-time speech and language therapist who works in classrooms and supports staff, connecting communication support with everyday teaching.
Settling begins before entry. Staff visit incoming children in their existing preschool or school, and summer-term transition sessions run weekly. The youngest learners begin with part-time attendance. Families receive a starting-school pack and a transition book, providing preparation for the change.
A home-school link book, email and parent evenings maintain contact. Coffee mornings and parent support groups provide further opportunities to talk; Early Bird Plus is an option for parents whose children have an ASC diagnosis.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Discuss your child’s next placement with the school and the local authority’s SEN Provision Lead. Beaucroft’s specialist admissions policy uses referrals from the local authority’s SEN Provision Lead to an admissions panel; referral requires an EHCP or a pending plan. Decisions depend on places and arrangements suitable for the child’s needs.
The summer transition sessions and preparation books support familiarity with school. They should be understood as preparation for learning, rather than an admissions advantage.
General enquiries go to the office team at office@beaucroft.dorset.sch.uk or 01202 886083. School tours can be requested through the tour form, subject to a draft or final EHCP and professional recommendation or agreement for specialist provision. Initial visits are for parents and carers only and may include other families.
The school encourages a navy Beaucroft sweatshirt, dark trousers or a skirt (no jeans), and school shoes; generic uniform is accepted. Nearly all children travel by taxi or minibus, with escorts where required. The local authority notifies families of transport arrangements after a place is allocated.
Individual EHCP goals guide the curriculum, alongside Development Matters, Early Learning Goals and Connecting Steps. Children learn through play and exploration.
Total Communication includes PECS, Signalong, objects of reference and communication aids. Speech and language therapy supports learning in everyday situations.
Staff visit children in their existing setting, offer weekly summer-term transition sessions and provide preparation books. The youngest learners initially attend part time.
No. Attendance does not guarantee a place. Beaucroft’s specialist admissions decisions involve local authority referrals and a panel, with availability and the child’s needs determining placement.
Yes, subject to a draft or final EHCP and professional recommendation or agreement for specialist provision. Initial tours are for parents and carers, and may be shared with other families.
