'Children get off to an incredibly strong start in the early years. They start learning to read quickly and also develop a secure understanding of numbers. Staff get to know children swiftly and check their progress in all areas of their learning. This means staff accurately identify any additional needs children have and put the right adjustments in place to make sure all children keep up.' Ofsted, 2022

In September 2014, we opened as Buckland Nursery. Previously known as Buckland Pre-school (established in 2003), the setting achieved an Outstanding OFSTED rating in March 2011. Our nursery continues to deliver high-quality provision and is further enhanced as a seamless and integral part of Buckland School, which was awarded Outstanding OFSTED status in October 2016 and again in 2022.

Buckland Nursery forms part of Acorn Class, which includes Foundation Stage children across two age groups: Reception (F1) and Nursery (F2). Both age groups learn together within one integrated classroom. This unique setting offers Nursery children an early experience of school life, supported by an experienced teacher and a dedicated team of support staff. Nursery provision operates at a ratio of 1:8.

Children who spend a year as F2 learners in Acorns are able to transition smoothly into F1 and full-time school life as a result of this unique setting. They benefit greatly from starting their school journey as confident, happy and well-prepared learners.

Although we are unable to guarantee school places for Nursery children, as admissions are managed by the local authority on behalf of the Cambrian Learning Trust, we actively support all applications from families whose children have attended the Nursery. Buckland Nursery children are also given priority over applicants applying solely on the basis of distance.

Admissions

Admissions for Buckland Nursery are managed internally in line with the criteria set out in our admissions policy (see below). As outlined in our school admissions policy, attending our nursery provides children with an advantage when applying for a Reception place. Nursery children are considered after applicants living outside the catchment area without a sibling at the school, but before those whose applications are considered solely on the basis of distance. As we offer 11 Nursery places and have 15 Reception places available, this arrangement should enable all of our Nursery children to be offered a place in Reception at our school. 

Please see below for the expression of interest form to apply for a nursery place. 

Should you wish to visit the nursery setting please contact the office on 01367 870236.

Location

Buckland School is both fortunate in its location and wealth of facilities. Buckland is a small village with no major roads and surrounded by beautiful countryside. The village has a local church and a large village hall. Buckland School is able to enjoy these facilities for many activities such as school productions, special events and swimming lessons in the summer term. Buckland School itself has a large outdoor play area, including a playground, grassed areas and a quiet garden. In addition, the Nursery and Reception children have their own fenced and secure play area laid on an all-weather surface where they are able to experience a varied outdoor curriculum. In this play area, the children can play in sand, in the outdoor summer house, on a climbing frame and with wheeled vehicles. The classroom is well-equipped to provide a challenging range of activities. A recent addition is a covered decking area which enables us to provide outdoor play in all weathers.

Curriculum

Nursery teaching is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, with a strong emphasis on hands-on, practical experiences linked to each term’s topic. Our topics follow the school’s rolling two-year cycle but are carefully adapted to reflect the needs and interests of our youngest learners.  Recent topics have included: Amazing Acorns, Once Upon A Time, Where in the World, Animal Adventures and Watch Us Grow. Children learn alongside our reception children. We make full use of our outdoor environment, which is an extension of our classroom, and also enjoy Forest School sessions. To enrich our learning further, we welcome a range of visitors into our setting, including Little City, Zoolab and Emergency Services teams.

Funding and Lunch club

Funding

Nursery children may attend for either a 15-hour place (9:00am–12:00pm, five days per week – up to 11 places) or a 30-hour place (9:00am–3:00pm, five days per week – up to 8 places) during term time. Once a place is accepted, it must be taken as the full 15 or 30 hours, as these sessions cannot be reallocated to another child. We also ask for consistent attendance so that staff know who to expect and children can establish secure routines.

Families may choose to use their 15-hour morning place with us and arrange alternative afternoon provision elsewhere, effectively splitting the 30 hours between settings. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer afternoon-only places or full-day 15-hour places.

Children who are not eligible for funded hours and attend on a private basis will be charged £5.70 per hour. Please note that this rate is reviewed annually.

Lunches

There are 8 Nursery lunch club places available for children attending the 30-hour provision. Children may choose either a hot school dinner or bring their own packed lunch.