Helmingham Primary School Nursery was established in 2019 when the former Old School House Nursery joined the main school and the academy trust. The merged team became Helmingham Primary School and Nursery and the children are based in the main school building.

We have a popular and vibrant Early Years unit called Hedgehogs Class which caters for children aged 3 years upwards. Our children are able to learn and develop in an environment designed entirely for early years foundation stage learning.

If you would like to visit us we would love to show you around.  Please contact the school office by email at office.helmingham@gfpschools.org to make an appointment. 

Admission into the Nursery

Children are eligible to be admitted to Helmingham Nursery from the date of their 3rd birthday, however, funding will only begin from the start of the term after their 3^rd birthday when they are entitled to 15 hours of free provision with some parents able to claim 30 hours provision, subject to their income and circumstances.  To check your eligibility please visit the government's website at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk for further information or call their helpline on 0300 123 4097.

For children who turn 3 between 1 April to 31 August the free childcare starts from September (autumn term).

For children who turn 3 between 1 September to 31 December the free childcare starts from January (spring term).

For children who turn 3 between 1 January to 31 March the free childcare starts from April (summer term).

The Early Year Foundation Stage

The EYFS is the period of education for all children from birth until the end of Reception year at school.  It is called the Foundation Stage because it provides children with the secure foundations they need for their future learning.  It builds on all the learning that children will have already gained from their families.

There are 7 areas of learning covered by the EYFS curriculum.  These are divided into three prime areas and four specific areas.  

The prime areas are:

• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

The specific areas are:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design Communication and Language

Payment of Nursery Fees

The Consortium Multi Academy Trust operates a standard policy for the charging of nursery fees. 

For Helmingham Primary Nursery, information is provided to assist you in understanding how our nursery operates and how your child’s place is funded or paid for. When you request a place we will ask you to complete a registration form and a funding form for free childcare for 3-4 year olds.

We are very much aware that choosing your child's nursery as parents can be a tough decision.

We understand this as parents ourselves. There are many things to consider when choosing childcare for your little one.

First of all will they settle ? What will they be doing at nursery? Will they be safe? Am I doing the right thing as I have never left him/her before? These are just some of the many worries faced by most parents.

In Hedgehogs we want to do our very best to ease these worries and help you and your child to feel at home with us. 

Our school is recognised for it’s calm, supportive and nurturing atmosphere whilst offering a bespoke curriculum focussed on the needs of all our pupils.

We look forward to meeting you and your child.