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Nursery at Alfreton Park Community Special School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication comes first in Acorns, where songs, signs and sensory experiences help young children with complex needs make choices and take part in learning. This is the Early Years class within Alfreton Park Community Special School, set in Alfreton parkland. Some children join the Early Years group at three. Entry requires an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), making this specialist provision for children whose learning needs require this placement.
Ofsted judged early years to be Strong standard in April 2026. That judgement concerns the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children made substantial gains from their individual starting points, especially in communication, listening and managing behaviour.
Acorns combines a free-flow arrangement with familiar routines. Sensory activities and resources are accessible both outdoors and inside, giving children opportunities to explore across the two spaces. Repeated experiences help them spend longer concentrating on an activity, an object or another person. Predictability has a practical purpose: it helps children understand what happens next.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) builds learning through exploration and play. Communication, physical skills and personal and social development receive particular emphasis, alongside early maths, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. Topics follow a three-year cycle shaped around children's interests, so experiences can connect with what already catches their attention.
Communication support runs through teaching and care. Adults combine visual cues with signing and songs to help children understand, express preferences and manage anxiety. Across the school, Makaton workshops include parents and carers, while every class has communication iPads using GRID. These provide another means of expressing a choice. In early years, adults also leave time for children to process information before responding. The pace accommodates the child.
Calm, attentive interactions and consistent routines support emotional regulation. Staff assess children's development and adjust activities and classroom provision to match emerging needs. Regular professional development supports their work with very young children who have SEND. In April 2026, participation extended to every child in early years, with support enabling them to join the learning activities.
Home and class stay connected through Class Dojo, parent workshops and Stay and Play sessions. Parents also help shape individual learning plans and contribute to annual reviews. For the initial move into school, a family support officer visits families, liaises with the previous setting and organises transition visits after a placement is confirmed. That gives families a contact during the change.
Food and personal care are part of school life. Magic Breakfast supplies cereals, beans and bagels for classroom breakfasts during morning lessons; families can discuss eligibility for free places with the office. SCOPAY gives parents access to dinner menus and dietary information. Daily supported toothbrushing takes place in every class through Special Smiles, bringing an everyday care skill into the routine.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The local authority controls placements at Alfreton Park, and pupils need an EHCP. Families should pursue Reception placement separately through the local authority's SEND placement process, rather than treating nursery attendance as confirmation of the next place. Derbyshire's Special Needs Section can be contacted at sen.admin@derbyshire.gov.uk.
Preparation for the next stage also happens through learning: communication, independence and coping with changes in routine are developed throughout early years. This educational preparation is separate from the placement decision.
The school's timetable runs from 9:00am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday in Derbyshire County Council term time. This is the school day. General enquiries go to info@alfretonpark.derbyshire.sch.uk or 01773 483330.
Uniform is optional. Children can wear clothing suited to their planned activities, with labelled items and a spare change where needed. Waterproof trousers, a jacket and Wellington boots are requested for outdoor learning, helping children continue exploring in wet weather.
Acorns is the school's Early Years class. Its learning combines sensory exploration, play and predictable routines.
Yes. Pupils must have an Education, Health and Care Plan before joining Alfreton Park, and the local authority manages placements.
Class Dojo supports communication, alongside Stay and Play sessions, parent workshops and ongoing conversations. Parents contribute to individual learning plans and annual reviews.
No. Placement decisions belong to the local authority. Families should pursue the next placement separately through the SEND placement process.
No. Suitable everyday clothing is permitted. The school requests outdoor waterproofs and Wellington boots, and advises labelling clothing and providing a spare set where necessary.
