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Nursery at Cranborne Church of England First 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Dough disco, outdoor play and lunch in the school hall give Cranborne’s nursery day a recognisable rhythm. This is the nursery within Cranborne Church of England First School, with children eligible to join in the academic year preceding their Reception start. Nursery and Reception share the Wren and Fledgling class teacher, placing the provision within the school’s early years team.
At the Ofsted inspection of 12 and 13 October 2023, early years provision received an Outstanding judgement. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
A typical day begins with activities at 8.20 am, followed at 8.30 am by registration, a greeting, number or phonics input and dough disco. From 9 am, children choose their play in the classroom and outdoor learning space, with adult-directed tasks also taking place across the week. There is room for both choice and guidance.
Snack and outdoor play punctuate the morning. Group learning before lunch brings children together for a story and number or phonics work; the afternoon combines smaller-group activities, dance or music, further play and another snack. A review of the day’s learning precedes home time at 3 pm. These changes of pace mean the day includes movement, conversation and shared listening as well as independent play.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) organises learning into seven areas. In parent language, these cover communication, relationships and feelings, physical skills, literacy, maths, understanding the world and creative expression. Cranborne uses themes to connect them, allowing children to carry an idea or skill from one activity into another.
Language has a clear place in this approach: adults extend conversations with new words, while stories, rhymes and role play give children opportunities to use them. In October 2023, inspectors found that early years teaching concentrated on communication and language, with staff adjusting plans when children’s understanding needed further work. The emphasis is on understanding, rather than simply moving through activities.
Lunch takes place in the school hall. Families can send a packed lunch or choose a hot meal cooked in the school kitchen, giving them a practical choice within the same lunchtime routine. Nursery session charges include a snack. Arbor handles meal ordering and nursery meal payments where appropriate.
For concerns about emotional wellbeing, the class teacher is the first contact. Teaching assistants also help children talk about feelings and work through difficulties. Across the school, additional learning support can involve an Individual Education Plan, with targets discussed with parents and reviewed regularly. The SENDCo can be contacted through the office, giving families a route into that support.
Attending Cranborne’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. The Schools Admissions Team at Dorset Council manages that process for the school, using an online common application form. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions, and apply by the normal deadline.
Full nursery days run from 8.30 am to 3 pm. The nursery operates five days each week, during term time, for 37 weeks annually. This pattern suits families seeking a school-calendar routine; holiday childcare needs separate planning.
Eligible children can use 15 or 30 funded hours, and childcare vouchers are accepted. Session charges are hourly, with invoices issued each half term. Ask the school for current charges, including nursery meals and additional care.
Before-school care runs from 7.30 am to 8.20 am; after-school care runs from 3 pm to 5.30 pm. Book these through Arbor, by 7 am that day for the morning club and noon for the afternoon club.
Navy logo clothing is optional alongside children’s own clothes. Footwear must be safe and sensible. For nursery registration or to arrange a visit, contact office@cranbornefirst.dsat.org.uk or 01725 517439.
Children are eligible in the academic year before they start Reception. Contact the school office for registration.
Full days run from 8.30 am to 3 pm, five days a week during term time, for 37 weeks a year. Before-school and after-school care are also offered.
The nursery accepts 15 and 30 hour funding for eligible children, as well as childcare vouchers. Contact the school for current charges.
Children eat in the school hall, choosing between a packed lunch from home and a hot meal prepared in the school kitchen.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process, managed for the school by the Schools Admissions Team at Dorset Council.
