Tibshelf Infant School Nursery Review

Three session patterns give Tibshelf’s nursery a clear practical identity: mornings, afternoons or a full day, all during term time. This is the nursery within Tibshelf Infant & Nursery School on High Street, for children starting from age three. Capacity is 26 children per morning session and 26 per afternoon session, rather than a single total covering both.

Entry points fall in September, January and April, with the latter two dependent on space. Families can therefore begin at different points in the school year, according to their child’s birthday and the places available.

Welly boot Wednesday gives outdoor learning a memorable name. At the November 2022 inspection, Ofsted highlighted this nursery outdoor day as an opportunity for children and adults to talk together. Language was a priority across early years, with learning taking place both indoors and outside. The useful connection is between activity and conversation: an outdoor experience gives children something to discuss.

That inspection also identified unfinished curriculum sequencing in some foundation subjects, including the progression from nursery onwards. In November 2022, early reading teaching also needed further work so children could become fluent readers more quickly. These are dated concerns to weigh alongside the specific evidence about language and outdoor learning.

Support for additional needs starts with identifying difficulties and working with parents. Class provision maps set out targeted help, while children on the SEND register have a Pupil Passport recording needs, support and learning or emotional targets. SEND Plans receive termly reviews. These give families concrete points around which to discuss support.

Separate rooms within the school allow some activities to happen away from classroom noise and visual stimulation. Help can take place individually or in small groups, according to need. For children entering with an EHC Plan, induction may include extra sessions, professional meetings and a picture Passport of important people and places, making preparation specific to the child.

Food needs planning for full days. Children must bring lunch from home; a school lunch cannot be bought for nursery. Snacks carry an additional charge for each session, with an opt-out through the nursery teacher or finance email. Parents also supply nappies, wipes and suncream. Families struggling to provide these are invited to speak with staff.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application to Derbyshire County Council, online or by telephone, during the autumn term before their child starts school. Treat this as a separate family task, even when your child already attends nursery.

Information goes to nursery parents in mid-November. That communication helps families prepare their application; it does not secure the next place.

Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am, afternoons from 12pm to 3pm, and full days from 8:30am to 3pm. For morning and full-day attendance, gates open at 8:20am. Apply directly through the nursery application link on the admissions page; general enquiries can go to info@tibshelf-inf.derbyshire.sch.uk or 01773 872571.

Universal funding covers 15 hours from the term after a child’s third birthday. The nursery also accepts 30-hour extended funding for eligible working parents. Families using paid additional sessions must book the full extra 15 hours alongside their universal hours, rather than occasional sessions. Ask the school for current charges.

School wraparound care carries an extra charge: breakfast starts at 7:30am, while after-school care has slots from 3pm to 4pm and 4pm to 5pm. Breakfast is included; after-school snacks are not. There is no holiday wraparound provision, so term-time attendance still leaves holiday childcare to arrange.