Westhouses Primary School Nursery Review

Conversation, songs and creative play give Westhouses’ early years provision its clearest character. The nursery belongs to Westhouses Primary School on Bolden Terrace in Westhouses, Alfreton, making this a choice of provision within a primary school.

At the September 2022 Ofsted inspection, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Language development has a practical shape here. In September 2022, early years children developed their speech through conversations, singing and nursery rhymes. These are opportunities to practise listening and joining in, with spoken language woven into familiar activities.

Creative work adds another strand. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the school plans art activities around children’s topics. Drawing and painting sit alongside collage, printing, textiles and sculpture, giving children different ways to explore an idea. Adults use discussion and guided play to help children develop their ideas and talk about what they have made.

Design and technology also leaves a visible record of early learning. Photographs, children’s drawings and a class floor book capture the design process in early years. The emphasis is on showing how an idea develops, with more than written work used to record it.

For a child with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school’s arrangements put the class teacher and SENDCo in contact with parents. Teachers discuss progress and exchange information about approaches that work at home. Individual education plans are reviewed with parents each term; a home-school communication book can be used when both sides agree it would help. This gives families a role in shaping support.

Teaching can be adjusted daily where a child’s needs require it. Support staff work under the teacher’s direction, using individual resources or group strategies. The school’s emotional support options include Positive Play and the Time to Talk Programme, so conversations about support can address feelings and communication as well as learning.

Physical access deserves attention too. The school occupies a split-level site, with ramps at entrances and fire exits, plus two accessible toilets. These are concrete features for families considering mobility needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Derbyshire County Council handles the school’s admissions, so choosing the nursery and applying for school are separate decisions.

Transition support is a different matter from admission. Children joining Reception have opportunities to visit with their parents and meet staff. For children with SEND moving between classes, the school passes support information to the next teacher and shares individual education plans. Extra transition visits can be arranged, and a personalised book or passport may help a child understand the change. These measures support familiarity; they do not secure admission.

The school office is the enquiry point, on 01773 832 518. Parents considering Westhouses can arrange a school visit through the office to meet staff and look around. A video tour also offers a way to explore the school before making contact.

Reception application. School admissions are handled by Derbyshire County Council. Keep that application separate from nursery arrangements when planning your child’s next step.