Consultation Document

Proposed Nursery at Loose Primary School

November 2024

Introduction

Loose Primary School is excited to share our plans to develop a nursery provision on-site. This initiative aligns with our mission to deliver the highest quality of teaching, learning, and character development, ensuring pupils achieve well and become resilient, responsible citizens.

We have a large site and with an already Outstanding EYFS phase, our team are keen to extend this excellent offer.

We are seeking feedback from our school community and stakeholders to help shape this project and ensure it meets the needs of our children, families, and the local community.

Purpose of the Nursery

The proposed nursery will provide high-quality Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) education in a nurturing and stimulating environment. Our vision is to:

Offer outstanding early years provision tailored to children aged 0–4 years – dependant on the need.

Support children’s holistic development, including their social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

Provide opportunity for excellent transition into Reception at Loose Primary School.

Why Now?

The government’s recent funding for nursery expansion presents a unique opportunity to:

Maximize use of surplus space on-site, equipped with appropriate facilities such as toilets and plumbing.

Respond to the local demand for additional and different childcare options.

Further enhance our outstanding EYFS environment, benefitting the community and local families.

Key Features of the Proposed Nursery

Capacity: Initially catering to meet an intake of 15 spaces for 0-2 starting at 3 months. 12 spaces for rising 2s and 25 spaces for 3–4-year-olds.

Facilities: Purpose-built classrooms with age-appropriate resources, outdoor learning areas, and access to existing EYFS provision.

Curriculum Overview for Loose Primary School Nursery

Our nursery curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning by making full use of our outstanding facilities, including woodland areas, outdoor spaces, and the children’s innate interest in the world around them.

Guiding Principles

• Child-Centred Learning: We will follow the EYFS framework, tailoring our approach to meet each child’s unique interests, needs, and developmental stages.
• Play-Based Exploration: Recognising play as the foundation of early learning, we will create opportunities for structured and spontaneous exploration.
• Connection to Nature: Our curriculum harnesses the rich potential of our woodland areas and outdoor spaces to foster children’s connection to the natural world.
• Staffing: Highly trained EYFS practitioners dedicated to fostering a love of learning and readiness for school.

Operational Hours: Flexible sessions, including morning, afternoon, and extended day care, to support working families. The aim would be to have an all year round year-round nursery provision to support working families.

Benefits to the Community

• Educational Excellence: Extending Loose Primary School’s high standards to the youngest children in our community.
• Accessibility: Affordable childcare options within the local area.
• Continuity: Providing children who meet the school admissions criteria with access to a consistent educational journey from nursery through to primary school.

Next Steps and Timeline

• Consultation Period: Open from 26-11-24 to 17-12-24
• Stakeholder Feedback: Gather views from parents, staff and local community members.
• Decision-Making: Evaluate feedback to finalise plans by Spring 2025
• Implementation: Renovation and setup completed by September 2025

Your voice is important

Your input is invaluable in shaping this exciting new chapter for Loose Primary School. Please share your views on the proposed nursery by:

Emailing us at office@loose-primary.kent.sch.uk with any comments or questions.

Conclusion

We are committed to providing the best possible start for children in our community. Your feedback will play a vital role in ensuring this nursery meets the needs of our families and continues Loose Primary School’s tradition of ensuring potential is limitless.

 Thank you for your support and involvement in this important project.

Yours sincerely,

Mr T. North

Headteacher

Loose Primary School