Nursery at Riddings Infant and Nursery School

Conversation and movement give this nursery its character. Adults join children’s play to build language, while daily gym time develops physical strength. The provision belongs to Riddings Infant and Nursery School on West Street in Riddings, with entry in September after a child’s third birthday.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 25 and 26 March 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Talking is part of the play itself. In March 2025, adults worked alongside children, drawing them into conversations and pairing spoken words with gestures. Changes in vocal emphasis helped children grasp vocabulary and pronounce it. For a parent, this gives a concrete picture of language teaching: an adult taking part, responding and helping a child find the words.

Physical development has a daily place too. Gym time and outdoor activities helped children build strength through their bodies’ core. Movement therefore serves a developmental purpose alongside play. Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), communication and physical development were clear priorities.

Listening receives specific attention in the Nursery class. Staff develop these skills as preparation for later reading instruction, giving children foundations to build on as they move towards school.

The nursery teacher also holds the special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) role. This connects classroom teaching with the coordination of additional support. The SENCo’s qualifications include the National Senco Award and a master’s degree in Special Educational Needs; school staff training includes Makaton and Every Child a Talker.

For children already known to have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the SENCo and EYFS lead contact parents before entry to discuss concerns. Extra or adjusted transition visits can be arranged where needed. This creates an opportunity to plan support before a child starts.

Tapestry gives early years parents snapshots of their child’s activities, with space to respond and add posts from home. SEND support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle, with progress discussed with families each term. Speech and Language Therapists are among the specialist services the school can access.

Physical access is addressed across the school site: classrooms and the hall accommodate child-sized and adult-sized wheelchairs, and two toilets have adaptations for disabled visitors. Children with medical needs have an Individual Health & Care Plan developed with families and relevant medical professionals.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate school application through Derbyshire County Council and meet the deadline for their child’s intake.

For children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is past. The practical distinction remains essential: joining the nursery and applying for Reception are separate steps.

Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoon sessions run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Children taking a 30-hour place also start at 8.45am. These timings give families clear points around which to arrange drop-off and collection.

Longer attendance. Funded provision comprises five three-hour sessions each week. Governors consider eligible children for 30-hour places only after initial 15-hour offers, with availability depending on waiting-list numbers. Families should therefore treat longer attendance as conditional when planning childcare.

To join the nursery waiting list, contact the school; an original birth certificate is required at registration. Applications are considered after March’s last Friday, followed by written notification. The school office can be reached on 01773 602767.