Little Ferns - Nursery
We are delighted to share an update on Little Ferns Nursery, opening at Coppice Valley Primary School in September 2026.
Little Ferns will offer a caring start to school life for 3–4‑year‑olds, rooted in the values of Coppice Valley Primary School, with a strong focus on outdoor learning and curiosity as part of our eco‑school ethos. The nursery will have a capacity for 26 pupils.
Building work on the former caretaker’s bungalow is progressing well, with all structural work now complete. Plastering is the next stage, and the space is already coming together beautifully.
Alongside the build, we have begun planning the nursery curriculum and sourcing furniture, toys and learning resources to create a nurturing, inspiring environment for our youngest children.
Wraparound care will be available, with provision from 7.30am (including breakfast) and until 6.00pm (including a light tea). Further details can be found on the school website.
We are now taking expressions of interest for September 2026. Families are invited to complete the online form with as much accurate information as possible, and we will be in touch shortly regarding admissions arrangements.
We are very excited to welcome our first cohort of children and will continue to share updates as the opening approaches.
Little Ferns Nursery – FAQs
Management, Staffing & Ratios
Who leads Little Ferns Nursery?
A fully qualified teacher will lead the nursery, supported by a Level 3 childcare practitioner. Recruitment for the Level 3 post will take place closer to opening.
What are your adult–child ratios?
We follow statutory EYFS ratios:
- 1:8 with a Level 3 practitioner
- 1:13 with a qualified teacher leading
Ratios may be enhanced depending on the needs of the group.
Who is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)?
Hannah McNamara, Headteacher, DSL.
Jo Fineran, Deputy Headteacher, Deputy DSL.
Curriculum, Learning & Daily Life
What activities will my child experience?
Little Ferns has a play based, child led curriculum with lots of opportunity for a wide range of experiences and outdoor learning. Our curriculum is built around high-quality texts and themes, with high-quality interactions. A full curriculum overview will be shared before the summer term.
Do children learn outdoors?
Yes - every day. Children will access their dedicated outdoor area, will be led by a fully qualified teacher with the Forest School qualification. The children will access our wider school grounds for Forest School sessions.
What should my child bring?
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Named water bottle
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Spare clothes
- Weather-appropriate items: coat, wellies, sun hat etc.
Places, Admissions & Sessions
How many children can attend?
Up to 26 children aged 3–4.
How do I get a place?
Complete the Expression of Interest form as early as possible. September starters are prioritised and interest is currently growing.
What are your session times?
Term time, Monday-Friday:
- Morning: 9:00am–12:00pm
- Afternoon: 12:30pm-3:30pm
- Full Day: 9:00-3:30pm
Do you follow school term dates?
Yes. We follow the school term calendar and close for INSET days and bank holidays.
Do you offer wraparound care?
We plan to offer breakfast and afterschool club options for nursery children in line with our school’s wraparound care offer. This will be 7:30-9am and 3:30-6pm
How do you allocate places if oversubscribed?
We use clear criteria as per our Admission Policy such as: September starters, siblings, proximity, and priority groups. Our Admissions Policy is on our website.
Is there a notice period?
Yes – typically a half term’s written notice for withdrawal. However, changes to hours can be requested each term.
Funding, Fees & Payments
Do you accept 15 and 30 hours?
Yes:
- Universal 15 hours (all 3–4s)
- Extended 30 hours for eligible working families
Families must supply a valid 30-hour code before termly deadlines.
Are there additional costs?
Optional services such as hot meals, wraparound care, and hours beyond funded entitlements incur charges. A full fee structure will be provided.
How do payments work?
Fees are billed monthly, and we accept Tax-Free Childcare and common voucher schemes for wraparound care.
Do you charge for consumables?
If applicable, a small fee may cover snacks, materials, or visiting providers.
Meals, Snacks & Allergies
Are meals provided?
Hot meals for full-day children are prepared onsite by Hutchison Catering (Impact Food Group). Lunchtime meals for sessional children may be available at an additional cost.
How do you manage allergies?
We gather detailed medical information at enrolment and work with caterers to provide safe alternatives. Allergy-aware practices are followed throughout the setting.
Health, Illness & Safety
When should my child stay home?
If they are unwell or contagious e.g., 48 hours after sickness/diarrhoea. We follow NHS guidance. On being allocated a place, we will issue guidance to families on this.
Can staff administer medication?
Yes - with a completed medication form. Prescription items must be labelled clearly.
What if my child has an accident?
Paediatric First Aiders are on site. All incidents are recorded, and head bumps receive additional monitoring and notification.
Toileting & Hygiene
Does my child need to be toilet trained?
No. We support all stages of toileting with dignity and care.
Trips, Visitors & Enrichment
Will children go on trips?
Yes - local walks and visits (park, library) with prior consent. We also bring external visitors onto the school site for enrichment. Little Ferns will be involved in whole-school events.
Communication & Family Partnership
How will you share updates?
We use an online learning journal platform to share updates, send newsletters, and offer some parent/carer stay and play opportunities.
Can I meet my child’s Key Person?
Yes - through scheduled meetings and informal conversations.
Learning Support, SEND & Inclusion
How do you support SEND/EAL?
We make reasonable adjustments and work closely with families and external agencies. Our Inclusion Lead, Jo Fineran, oversees provision. Home languages are valued and supported.
How is progress tracked?
Through observations and regular assessment under the EYFS framework. Next steps are shared with families.
Behaviour, Wellbeing & Safeguarding
How do you support behaviour?
Through coregulation, positive relationships, routines, and teaching social/emotional skills such as sharing and turn-taking.
How do you keep children safe?
Robust safeguarding procedures, DBS-checked staff, secure site systems, and clear pickup protocols.
Who can collect my child?
Only named adults with prior permission given at enrolment can collect your child. We use agreed passwords to confirm the identify of adults who have consent to collect but do not do so regularly.
Attendance, Weather & Closures
What if we’re late or absent?
Please inform the office if your child will be late or absent, using the school office number.
Do you go out in all weathers?
Yes - children play and learn outdoors daily, with appropriate clothing.
How will we know about closures?
Updates are sent via email/website/social media. Little Ferns will be part of all of our whole-school procedures.
Photography, Data & Consent
Do you take photos?
Yes, with parental consent, for learning journals and displays. Separate consent is required for marketing use.
How is data handled?
We comply with UK GDPR. Our privacy notice explains how data is used and stored.
Transitions
How do you support the move to Reception?
We work closely with Reception staff, offer shared events, visits, and a detailed handover. We hope your child will attend Coppice Primary School for their Reception year, but will work all schools to support transition.
Can my child join midyear?
Yes, if places are available. We have three intakes per year, September, January and April.
Next Steps for Families
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Complete the Expression of Interest form early - especially for September starts
