Nursery

Welcome to Nursery – Caterpillars

Welcome to Nursery Caterpillars, where your child begins their exciting journey at Ingrow Primary School. Nursery is a special place focused on building confidence, developing independence and fostering a love of learning through play, exploration and meaningful first experiences.

We run a morning session from 8:40am until 11:45am, giving children a structured yet nurturing introduction to school life.

In Nursery, we provide a warm, safe and welcoming environment where children feel secure and valued. Our expectations are gently guided by our Bee Rules, helping children learn how to be kind, be safe, be respectful and be inquisitive as they begin to play and learn alongside others. At this stage, we focus on modelling these behaviours through routines, positive relationships and clear boundaries.

Nursery Caterpillars is taught by Mrs Grant-Muller, supported by Mrs Bartlett (Nursery Nurse) and Miss Dowse (Classroom Assistant). Our experienced team works closely together to ensure every child feels happy, supported and confident as they settle into school.

Learning in Nursery

At Ingrow, we offer a curriculum rich in wonder and memorable experiences. Our Nursery environment is carefully designed to provide exciting opportunities for exploration, creativity and adventure, both indoors and outdoors.

Children learn primarily through play, supported by skilled adults who carefully observe and extend learning through conversation, questioning and shared experiences. Our curriculum builds on children’s life experiences and interests, helping them develop early communication, social and physical skills.

A typical morning in Nursery includes:

• Settling-in and welcome time
• Carpet time for stories, songs and topic activities
• Milk and snack time
• Indoor and outdoor choosing time
• Practical maths experiences
• Story time and reflection

During choosing time, children explore our indoor and outdoor provision come rain or shine, developing independence, imagination and confidence.

We also help our youngest children develop a sense of belonging to the wider school community. Throughout the year, we take part in exciting exploring adventures around school — visiting the library, the school office and other areas — so children begin to feel part of Ingrow from the very start.

Phonics and Early Reading

At Ingrow, we follow the Read Write Inc. phonics programme. In Nursery, we focus on developing a love of stories, rhymes and language. Reading to children every day builds strong foundations for future learning.

In the summer term, we begin to introduce Set 1 sounds to some of our older Nursery children to help prepare them for Reception.

Reading at home is one of the most powerful ways to support your child. Sharing stories daily helps children associate books with comfort, enjoyment and connection.

Home Learning & Communication

We aim to keep you updated with all the learning and fun in Nursery through Class Dojo, where we share photos and important messages. We value strong partnerships with parents and carers, so please speak to us if you have any questions or concerns.

We also invite families to join us for Stay and Play every Friday from 10:45–11:30am, where grown-ups can share in classroom activities and see learning in action.

Key Information

We are very much looking forward to welcoming your child to Nursery Caterpillars and beginning this exciting journey together.

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