Welcome To Nursery

 Cherry Class 

At Shefford Lower School, our Cherry Class offers a lively and stimulating Nursery provision for children aged three and four. Our aim is to provide a positive, nurturing environment where every child in the Cherry Class can feel included and supported and is therefore able to thrive. Staff work closely with families to ensure each child has a positive start to school life. We want all children to have equal opportunities so they can make the best possible progress. 

We are open Monday - Friday, term time only at the following times: 

Children attend Cherry Class from the September after their third birthday. We admit up to 45 children per session. We offer 15-hour government funded sessions; we also offer a limited number of 30 hour sessions for those entitled to 30 hours of childcare. For more information, please see our admissions policy. 

Learning in Nursery 

Our Nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The curriculum is delivered through a play-based approach. Children learn by exploring their environment, joining in with adult-led tasks and following their own interests. 

The seven areas of learning 

All areas are underpinned by the Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning. These are positive learning behaviours such as trying new things, staying focused and solving problems. Children are supported by skilled staff who plan learning opportunities in response to children's needs. 

The Day 

Throughout the day, children choose to engage with a wide range of resources and activities within our provision, both inside and outside. We gather together in groups for carpet sessions for short periods of the day. During certain times, children are able to access the snack area; free fruit and milk are provided during the session. Children who stay for the full day bring a packed lunch, and those attending an afternoon session can bring one if they wish to. All children use the Cherry entrance for drop off and collection.   

What Children Need: 

Uniform is not compulsory in Cherry Class, but many children do choose to wear it. Most children wear comfortable clothing suitable for independent play, such as a polo shirt and jumper with leggings or joggers. For more information about uniform, please see our uniform page linked here. 

Please provide: 

A full change of named clothes to be kept in school 

Wellies and a waterproof coat and trousers or puddlesuit for outdoor play 

A named water bottle filled with water only 

Packed lunch if needed 

Fresh fruit or vegetables only if bringing an additional snack 

Please label everything with your child’s name. 

Working Together 

We value strong communication with families. Parents are invited to review meetings in autumn and spring terms. In addition to this, you receive a mid term review as well as an end of year written report in the summer. Regular updates are shared through Parentmail and our closed Facebook group. If you have a general enquiry, feel free to ask staff during drop off or collection, but do let us know if you would like to discuss something in more detail. We will be happy to give you a call or book in a meeting with you. You can also email the school office with any enquiries. 

Our ‘Scrapbooks’ are used to help children talk about their family and home life. These are sent home at intervals across the year and help build connections between home and school. 

Starting Nursery 

Children are invited to visit the setting before they start. Home visits take place at the beginning of September. These help staff get to know each child and support a calm transition into the setting. We also stagger the children starting in September, enabling us to support the children in a smaller group when they first enter the setting. 

We really look forward to welcoming you and your child to our setting. 

To make any general enquiries, discuss admissions, arrange a visit or find out more:  

email: schooloffice@shefford.cbeds.co.uk 

Phone: 01462 629123