Three Legged Cross First and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Stories reach beyond the book here: nursery children have used Little Red Riding Hood vocabulary while playing in the school’s woods. That connection between language and outdoor play gives the nursery its clearest character.

Children can join from age two, attending a nursery class within Three Legged Cross First and Nursery School on Church Road, Wimborne. Provision follows school terms. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 21 and 22 February 2023. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the nursery’s curriculum framework. Here, its communication and literacy work takes a practical form: adults introduce vocabulary through stories, rhymes and play, giving children words they can then try out for themselves. In February 2023, this approach supported children’s language and early literacy effectively.

Little Red Riding Hood provides a concrete example. Children took language from the story into their woodland play, using what they had heard in a different setting. Books become material for imagination as well as listening. The woods give that learning a physical setting, while the nursery’s clothing requirements include wellington boots and waterproof trousers or an all-in-one suit for forest learning.

Settling begins with a parent alongside the child. Before starting nursery, families must attend a settle session together; the school arranges the session to help both become comfortable with the move. This gives children an introduction with someone familiar present.

For children staying through lunch, nursery lunchtime is noon. Hot meals come from Forerunner, a Bournemouth company, and families can order online. A healthy packed lunch in a labelled container is an alternative. Water is accessible through the day, fruit is offered before morning break, and children under five can receive free milk through the Cool Milk Scheme. These arrangements give families a choice over lunch while providing drinks and a morning snack.

For contact with the school’s SEND coordinator, families approach the office first. That provides a clear starting point for discussing support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the deadline for their intake. Applications can be made online through Dorset Council; forms are also available from the Local Authority Admissions Team.

Transition activities follow acceptance of a school place. During the summer term, children joining Reception can get to know the classroom and join a school lunch. These activities help familiarise children with the next stage; they are separate from securing admission.

Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am, afternoon nursery from 11.30am to 2.30pm, and the full day from 8.30am to 2.30pm. Breakfast care can start at either 7.30am or 8.00am. After-school care has collection options of 4pm or 5pm Monday to Thursday, with a 4pm finish on Friday. The shorter Friday matters when planning a working week.

Breakfast and after-school bookings use Bookwhen. Nursery funding can cover these hours as well as the usual nursery day; families using funded hours for extended care should contact the office. Provision is term-time only. Ask the school for current charges.

Nursery enquiries go to office@3lxschool.com or 01202 822460 to discuss the required pattern. A school-logo blue T-shirt is optional; a warm waterproof coat, boots and forest waterproofs form the practical clothing requirements. Staff handle nursery handover and collection at the school gate.