Shipham Church of England First School Nursery Review

Stories, kindness and growing independence give Shipham’s nursery its character. Children can join the on-site nursery and pre-school from age two, becoming part of Shipham Church of England First School on Turnpike Road. The provision belongs to the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit, whose staff work together and exchange expertise with colleagues across the school.

At the Ofsted inspection on 8 and 9 October 2024, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Language is a clear curriculum priority. The EYFS covers children’s care, development and learning up to age five; here, learning builds progressively while retaining flexibility for children’s different rates of development. Children’s interests help shape what they explore, alongside unfamiliar themes, visitors and visits. This gives their developing vocabulary a purpose beyond an isolated lesson.

Books provide another thread. In October 2024, nursery children enjoyed listening attentively to different stories. They also began developing mathematical understanding and early writing and reading skills alongside learning to cooperate and manage things independently. Phase 1 phonics starts in pre-school, giving early preparation for later reading.

Social learning has substance here. In October 2024, early years behaviour and personal development were impressive, supported by constructive relationships with staff. Kindness and respect were taught from nursery onwards, so expectations began with how children treated one another.

Wider learning. In October 2024, gaps in early years knowledge remained beyond mathematics and early reading because assessment across some subjects was incomplete. Families should weigh that concern alongside the strengths in relationships and early literacy.

Each child has a key person responsible for leading their care. That gives families a particular adult connection within the team. The pre-school manager also holds a deputy designated safeguarding lead role. For settling, the nursery recommends at least two sessions each week, helping children develop familiarity through regular attendance.

Parents are encouraged to contribute suggestions, resources and their own expertise. The nursery aims to work closely with families so that both sides understand children’s development. For additional needs, parents can contact the school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator through the office; the school aims to adapt education to each child’s needs and strengths.

Lunch can be a hot meal, charged separately. Fairlands Middle School prepares the food, which is delivered at lunchtime. Four main options include a vegetarian choice, followed by dessert, fruit or yogurt. Orders are placed ahead through My Child at School. Medical diets, including gluten-free and dairy-free options, can be arranged through the office, making that conversation useful before meals begin.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority, using its Common Application Form and meeting the normal deadline. Somerset residents apply through Somerset Council; North Somerset residents use North Somerset Council.

The EYFS team’s close collaboration provides continuity between staff. That working relationship is separate from the allocation of school places.

All-day, afternoon and morning sessions offer different attendance patterns. Eligible children can use funded entitlement for up to 8.5 hours per day and 15 hours per week, or 30 hours if eligible, during term time only. Hours exceeding the daily or weekly limits are charged. Parents remain responsible for unfunded hours, and absences through illness or holidays remain chargeable. Contact the school for current charges.

Breakfast Club accepts children aged three and over and runs Monday to Friday, 8am to 8.45am. After-School Club has limited availability for children aged three to four, Monday to Thursday, with collection at 4.15pm or 5.30pm after a 3.15pm start. There is no Friday after-school session. Its library and hall spaces, plus outdoor activities where possible, extend the setting beyond the nursery day. Eligible wraparound hours may be funded; otherwise they are charged.

For a nursery enquiry, telephone or email the office on 01934 843485. Families are offered a visit and complete either an expression of interest or an application, depending on how far ahead they enquire.