St. Ives Primary
& Nursery School
A National Teaching School
Sandy Lane
St. Ives
Ringwood
BH24 2LE
Telephone: 01425 475478
Nursery as Part of the Whole School
At St Ives Nursery, we are proud to be an integral part of the wider school community. We are passionate about providing high-quality early years education, understanding that the foundation for a child's future learning is built in these early years. Therefore, we have an experienced nursery teacher who leads the nursery team and works alongside teachers in the school.
St Ives Nursery is more than just a starting point—it is an essential part of the St Ives School journey. The nursery teacher works closely with the early years leader and teachers in the school, allowing our nursery children to become familiar with the routines, environments, and expectations they will encounter in their future school years.
Our curriculum is intentionally designed to develop the key skills needed for a smooth and confident transition to Reception. From early literacy and numeracy to social development and independence, we lay the groundwork for school readiness.
School Readiness Opportunities:Use of Whole School Facilities: Our nursery children have access to the same play equipment, forest area, and hall that the older children use.This gives them valuable opportunities to grow and learn in a larger school environment, helping them feel comfortable and familiar with the space.
Routine and Structure: Nursery routines mirror those in Reception, ensuring that children are familiar with school expectations before they even start. This includes activities like lining up, using visual timetables, and following structured daily routines that build independence and confidence.PE Coaches & Specialist Lessons: Our children benefit from expert-led lessons in gymnastics, dance, and multi-skills, delivered by experienced PE coaches.
These activities build physical confidence and coordination, as well as teamwork and communication. It allows the children to get to know our sports coaches and be confident with them prior to starting in Reception.
Lunch in the School Hall: In the summer term, our pre school aged children have the opportunity to join Reception and Key Stage 1 children for lunch in the main school hall. This allows them to learn the routine and helps children feel comfortable in the larger school setting.Familiar Environment and
Teaching Staff: By the time our nursery children start Reception, they are already familiar with the teaching staff and the school environment. This continuity helps to reduce any anxiety and builds strong, trusting relationships.Clear Curriculum Progression: Our carefully planned curriculum ensures a smooth progression from Nursery to Reception. It covers all the key areas of learning while allowing children to develop at their own pace, building on their existing knowledge and skills. We ensure that children leave our nursery feeling confident, capable, and excited to start their formal school education.
