St Andrew's CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Sixteen children per session sets the scale here: a nursery class within St Andrew's early years department, with the resources of a primary school behind it. Children aged three to four can join after their third birthday. For families seeking a school-based start, that departmental connection is the defining feature.

At the Ofsted inspection on 3 and 4 October 2023, early years provision received a Good judgement. That judgement covers the school's early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Investigation gives a concrete glimpse of early years learning. In October 2023, children enjoyed discussing discoveries made using a magnifying glass. Looking closely and then explaining what they notice connects practical exploration with conversation.

Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), activities engaged children's imaginations, while reminders about listening helped prepare them for their next educational stage. The nursery belongs to the same early years department and draws on the wider school's resources. This places its learning within a shared departmental structure.

Settling starts with contact before the first session. Once a place is confirmed, nursery staff arrange a visit and discuss whether the child needs settling-in sessions. That creates an opportunity to plan the start around the individual child rather than assume everyone needs the same introduction.

Support for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) begins in Nursery. In October 2023, needs were recognised promptly, and support helped children develop independence while accessing the complete curriculum. Parents are involved in planning and reviewing additional support. Across the school, staff training includes paediatric first aid and courses in Elkan Speech and Language, Early Bird Plus and Emotional Literacy (ELSA).

Lunch is between 12 and 12.30pm. Children staying over lunchtime need a healthy packed lunch, excluding fizzy drinks, or parents can separately book and pay for a hot meal from The Farm Kitchen. Children eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium who attend sessions before or after lunch qualify for free school meals. Parents supply nappies as needed; the nursery does not add charges for consumables such as nappies or suncream.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission to Reception. It also carries no attendance-based priority under the arrangements for September 2027 entry. Families must make a separate application: Lincolnshire residents apply through Lincolnshire County Council, while those living elsewhere use their home local authority. Applications must reach the authority by its published January deadline for the following September.

For children with additional needs, moving classes includes passing relevant information to the receiving teacher and opportunities to visit the new class. Familiarity and continuity of support are useful preparation. They do not change the admissions process.

Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am. Afternoon choices finish at either 2:45pm or 3:15pm after an 11:45am start; full-day choices run from 8:45am to those same finishing times. Regular sessions require an annual contract, with bookings managed through Kids Club HQ. Additional sessions depend on space, and hourly bookings or partial sessions are not offered. Ending contracted attendance normally requires at least one full term's written notice.

Universal funding provides up to 15 hours per standard week from the term after the third birthday, with a Parent Declaration Form required. Eligible families can access up to 30 funded hours; the additional entitlement operates across 38 school-term weeks. The additional hours start in the term after the child's third birthday or the term after receipt of the eligibility code, whichever is later. Eligibility must be reconfirmed every three months. Unfunded sessions are charged separately. Contact the school for current charges.

Wraparound limits. Nursery children can use Breakfast Club, which runs Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 8:40am, but cannot attend Afterschool Club. Breakfast Club is separately charged and nursery funding cannot cover it, so afternoon collection remains a practical consideration.

To enquire, return an Expression of Interest form to the school office. Nursery visits can be arranged. Children wear the school's EYFS uniform, and a uniform bank provides free items. Tell staff in advance if someone else will collect your child.