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Nursery at St Helena's Church of England Primary Academy, Willoughby
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Little Explorers has its own sports day on the school’s MUGA, with parents and grandparents invited to watch. That is a concrete glimpse of this nursery’s place within St Helena’s Church of England Primary Academy in Willoughby: a provision with its own identity and family events, alongside the wider school.
The Ofsted early-years judgement is Requires Improvement; the school has no single overall grade. Families should keep that early-years judgement in view when considering the nursery.
Play and investigation shape learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent terms, children develop their understanding through exploring and trying things, with learning tailored to their interests. EYFS learning includes developing language and communication, physical skills, and the personal, social and emotional skills children use in relationships and everyday life. Indoor and outdoor classrooms both form part of that approach, giving children different spaces in which to investigate.
Read Write Inc. and Power Maths sit alongside this play-based learning, with White Rose Maths informing the small steps used in mathematics. Art combines adult teaching of a new skill with opportunities to practise independently through play. The balance gives children both an introduction from an adult and time to try the skill for themselves.
Outdoor development also has a specific ambition. In December 2025, the school was seeking support to add natural areas, sensory play and activity zones to the EYFS outdoor space. These were proposed improvements, rather than completed facilities.
Accessibility has practical detail here: the nursery has an accessible toilet, wheelchair-width doors and a play area on a single level. Individual access needs are assessed, with facilities adapted where possible. For a child with a disability, those physical arrangements provide a useful starting point for considering participation.
Two nursery SENDCOs support children, families and key persons, with referrals to outside agencies where necessary. Activities are adjusted to individual needs, and parents take part throughout assessment, planning and review. Learning plans are monitored and revised, so support can respond to a child’s development. The nursery protects the privacy of children with SEN/disabilities during intimate care.
Little Explorers held dedicated parents’ meetings in January 2026. Communication has since changed: by June 2026, Parent Hub had replaced Parentmail. Families therefore need to use the newer app for school messages.
Attending Little Explorers does not guarantee a Reception place at St Helena’s. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat that application as a separate decision from choosing the nursery.
Transition support is a different matter. Early-years teachers visit nurseries, including Little Explorers, and children have visits before starting school. For children with recognised SEND, staff share information with nursery keyworkers, and a personalised transition programme can be arranged where needed. That preparation supports familiarity; it does not secure admission.
Enquiries go through the school office at sthenquiries@infinityacademies.co.uk or 01507 462367. School visits can be arranged by telephone.
Collection and parking. Access to the school car park requires a valid permit, and drivers waiting there are asked to switch off their engines. A January 2026 near-miss prompted a reminder to keep children beside their accompanying adult on the pavement. Build that care into collection routines.
Long hair must be tied back. Little Explorers is also covered by the school’s jewellery rule: only stud earrings are permitted.
No. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
The EYFS combines play and investigation with learning tailored to children’s interests. Named approaches include Read Write Inc., Power Maths and the small-step principles of White Rose Maths.
Two nursery SENDCOs support children, parents and key persons. Activities can be adapted, learning plans are reviewed, and outside agencies may be involved where necessary.
Parent Hub replaced Parentmail by June 2026.
Contact the school office at sthenquiries@infinityacademies.co.uk or telephone 01507 462367. School visits can be arranged by phone.
