Wellington Eagles Primary Academy Nursery Review

Stories, conversation and space hoppers give Wellington Eagles’ nursery its character: language learning sits alongside physical play. The provision caters for children aged two, three and four within Wellington Eagles Primary Academy. Ash is the nursery class; Elm is the preschool class. These are part of the school’s early years provision.

At the inspection on 5 and 6 March 2024, Ofsted judged early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The nursery findings give parents concrete reasons to consider it: learning builds progressively, with speaking and understanding language receiving close attention.

Conversation does much of the teaching here. In March 2024, staff used purposeful exchanges to extend children’s vocabulary, while stories and rhymes gave children opportunities to listen and participate. For a young child, that means learning new words through interaction, alongside the pleasure of joining in with familiar language.

The early years curriculum sequences what children need to learn so that knowledge develops over time. Its practical shape includes language, movement and early number understanding. In March 2024, some younger children could recognise the quantity in a small group without needing to count each item. This gives a specific picture of the mathematical learning taking place, rather than simply an emphasis on counting aloud.

Space hoppers provide another concrete example. Children used them to develop strength through the centre of their bodies, and staff supported physical challenges involving manageable risks. Movement therefore has a learning purpose: children practise physical control as well as taking part in play.

For behaviour concerns, parents can reach the class teacher through the school office or by email. That gives families a direct route to discuss a difficulty with the person teaching their child. The wider school team includes a SENCo and a safeguarding and attendance officer; the SENCo also has a separate contact email.

Food preparation needs to take account of the school’s nut restriction, which protects children with severe allergies. Nuts and peanut butter must stay out of school. Children are encouraged to bring a bottle containing still water each day, making drinking water part of the practical preparation for the day.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer admissions priority. Families normally make a separate Reception application through Wiltshire’s online parent portal, with a deadline of 15 January. Choosing the nursery therefore needs to be a decision about the early years experience itself.

When places are oversubscribed, priority goes first to children in care, then other vulnerable groups, then qualifying siblings, followed by proximity to school. The sibling criterion applies to children with siblings in Years 1–5 at the school when the application is made. Extra transition visits or support can be arranged through an individual programme for children who need them. That support is separate from the allocation of places.

The nursery and preschool day runs from 9am to 3pm. Those hours give families a clear start and finish around which to organise their day.

General enquiries can be made using the contact form, by calling 01264 316400 or by emailing admin@wellingtoneagles.org.uk. The school is on Wellesley Road in Ludgershall, Andover, with postcode SP11 9LT. Use that postcode when planning the journey; the admin team can help with directions.