Little Rays Nursery
Welcome to Little Rays Nursery
Hello and welcome to the Little Rays Nursery at Sunshine Academy.
We’re so excited to have you and your little one join our Nursery family. Our classroom is full of laughter, creativity, and new discoveries. Every day is an adventure where children learn through play, imagination, and exploration.
Our Nursery is for children aged 3 - 4 years and offers a safe, caring, and stimulating environment that helps them build confidence and curiosity as they begin their learning journey.
Our Approach
At Sunshine Academy, we believe that every child is special and learns in their own unique way.
In Nursery, we focus on helping children to:
- Develop independence and confidence
- Make friends and build social skills
- Explore the world around them
- Learn through play, stories, and creative activities
We place great importance on developing personal, social, and emotional skills.
Children learn to share, take turns, express their feelings, and build positive relationships — all in a kind and supportive environment.
Our goal is to nurture happy, confident learners who are ready to take their next steps into school life.
Meet our Team
We have a wonderful team of caring adults who love working with children and helping them grow.
- Mrs Broadway – Nursery Teacher
- Mrs Hannan – Nursery Teaching Assistant
- Ms Tynan – Nursery Teaching Assistant
We work together to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where every child feels valued and supported.
What we Get Up To!
Our days are filled with exciting activities that help children develop across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Some of our favourite things to do are:
- Singing, music, and dancing
- Story time
- Outdoor play
- Building and construction play
- Painting, drawing, and messy play
- Cooking and sensory activities
We love following the children’s interests and letting their curiosity lead the way!
A Love of Reading
At the heart of our Nursery is a love of books and stories.
We read together every day — from classic picture books to rhymes, poems, and new adventures. Storytime is a special part of our routine that helps children build their language, imagination, and listening skills.
We also encourage families to share books at home — reading together is one of the best ways to support your child’s learning.
Book and Key Text Overview - Nursery
General Information
Session Times
There are two Nursery classes in Little Rays, a 26 place morning group and a 26 place afternoon group, each lasting 3 hours.
15 hour Funded Sessions:
Morning sessions start at 8.30am until 11.30am
Afternoon sessions start at 12.20pm until 3.20pm
30 hour* Funded Sessions:
Option 1:
Monday to Thursday - 8.30am - 3.15pm
Friday 8.30am - 11.30am
Option 2:
Monday to Friday - 8.30am - 3.15pm
Fee of £20 (Friday 11.30 - 3.15pm)
(*subject to eligibility)
Please arrive on time so your child can settle in happily and get the most from their day.
Uniform
Your child will be encouraged to wear the Sunshine Academy uniform.
This includes:
· Yellow polo top
· Black/grey trousers / skirt/ pinafore dress
· Black/grey joggers (plain)
· Navy blue sweatshirt/ cardigan - logo optional
· Black/grey shorts / Blue and white/yellow and white checked school dress (Summer)
· Sensible black shoes
Outdoor play happens in all weathers, so please make sure your child brings:
· A warm coat in cold weather
· A sun hat in the summer
· Wellies for wet or muddy days
PE
· White t-shirt
· Black shorts/joggers
· Black pumps
Please write your child’s name in each item of clothing so that we can return any lost items.
What to Bring
Please make sure your child brings:
· A named water bottle (water only, please)
· A book bag to carry their reading book and any notes
· Spare clothes (just in case of messy play or accidents)
· A big smile and a readiness to learn!
Milk and Fruit
Your child is entitled to free milk up to the age of 5 and will receive this every day. If your child does not like milk or is allergic to milk please let the Nursery teacher know and we can provide a drink of water.
The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme (SFVS) provides a free piece of fruit or vegetable to every 3 to 7year-old who attends school. We understand that children should eat a variety of fruit and vegetables to access different vitamins and nutrients.
We encourage healthy eating and ensure your child is given a daily choice of fruit.
Sunshine Academy has a duty of care to ensure they meet the statutory Early Years Nutrition guidance for 0-5 year olds from 1st September 2025 which outlines healthy snacks, drinks and lunches for children in schools. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-nutrition
Settling In
Starting Nursery is such an exciting time!
Two of our nursery staff will visit you at home prior to starting so you can share your child’s loves and interests including any worries you might have. This is a special time where the children will either hide behind the sofa or share all their toys and not want staff to leave! We work closely with families to make sure every child feels comfortable and confident. We have a gentle settling-in process, and parents are always welcome to speak with staff or visit.
We love working in partnership with parents — together, we can help your child shine!
Absences
If your child is absent please ring the school office by 9.15am to let us know the reason.
The school telephone number is 01922 710174.
Useful Links
Gallery
Stay Connected
If you’d like to know more about our Nursery or arrange a visit, please get in touch:
📞 01922 710174
We can’t wait to meet you and your child soon!