Valley Farm Nursery School

A life-size Indian elephant made from fabric captures the character of Valley Farm Nursery School: everyday curiosity becomes something children can investigate and understand. In September 2025, children compared their height with the image, giving an abstract idea of animal size a concrete reference.

Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding at its 24 September 2025 inspection, including education, behaviour, personal development and leadership. The setting has capacity for 16 children at Valley Farm in Sharrington, Holt. Children attending in September 2025 were aged two to four; that age range describes the inspection period.

In September 2025, learning followed children's interests while staff planned what each child needed to practise next. A wish to draw rainbows became a discussion about light and reflections. Children revisited earlier attempts and considered what to change, making activities opportunities to think rather than simply finish a task.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the September 2025 examples included conversation, creative activities and exploration of nature. Staff allowed time for replies and introduced vocabulary in context, connecting the word habitat with animals' homes.

Regular country walks and observing tadpoles' development brought nature into that month's learning. Group activities were adjusted to children's stages of development. Independence also had practical outlets: children chose their peg, served snacks to one another and helped sort recycling. These responsibilities gave them a useful role in the day.

At the September 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and praised the quality of relationships and communication with parents. Staff shared children's learning, explained aspects of development and offered ideas for activities at home, connecting nursery experiences with family life.

During September 2025, adults helped children recognise emotions by listening and putting feelings into words, then discussing possible solutions. Children helped one another with handwashing and tidying resources. Care for other people and belongings was practised through ordinary tasks.

Staff development also affected the surroundings. In September 2025, training, reading and research informed changes that reduced sensory stimulation, helping children engage with activities. This was a practical example of professional learning changing the children's day.

The address is Valley Farm, Sharrington, Holt, NR24 2PE.

In September 2025, attendance ran during term time on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with sessions from 8.30am to 3pm. This was a daytime pattern across four weekdays rather than a five-day week. At that time, the nursery offered government-funded early education to eligible children.

• Term-time attendance. The September 2025 pattern excluded Thursdays and school holidays. Would the current attendance arrangements fit your working week?
• Learning through responsibility. September 2025 examples included serving snacks and sorting recycling. Families who value practical independence have concrete examples to weigh alongside the creative and nature-based activities.

Valley Farm suits families drawn to practical independence, conversational learning and exploration of nature. The September 2025 account combines ambitious teaching with ordinary responsibilities children can understand and enjoy. The September 2025 term-time daytime attendance pattern makes current attendance arrangements an essential consideration for families.