Glebeland Community Primary School Nursery Review

A purpose-built classroom and outdoor play give Glebeland’s nursery its character: children learn through exploration, with adult support woven into the day. Places are offered from age two, with both part-time and full-time attendance. This is nursery education within a primary school, with opportunities to become familiar with school life early.

Nursery children belong to Robins Class, alongside Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. That mixed-age grouping is a practical consideration for parents choosing the setting: the nursery sits within a classroom community spanning several stages of childhood.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, move and manage relationships with early reading, maths, creativity and discovering the world. At Glebeland, supported play sits alongside group activities and individual time with an adult. Reading, writing and mathematical opportunities are planned into the environment each week, so these skills are explored during play as well as through adult-led work.

Sound awareness starts with the youngest nursery children. Letters and Sounds provides phase 1 phonics, helping children notice and tell apart the sounds around them. Read, Write Inc is also used for reading and writing. The distinction matters: the nursery starting point is listening and recognising sounds, rather than assuming every child is ready for formal reading instruction.

Indoor and outdoor activities give children different ways to explore an idea. One early-years colour-mixing activity involved painting each hand a primary colour, then bringing the hands together to discover a new colour. It turns an abstract concept into something children can test themselves. Learning opportunities are adjusted as children’s interests and needs change.

Parents can follow learning through Class Dojo, where photographs and videos show children’s activities and families can add their own pictures and comments. Floor books also capture achievements and progress. Together, these give families a way to connect experiences at home with learning in the classroom.

Family participation includes Stay and Play events. A bug-themed session brought existing and new families together to hunt with magnifying glasses, make bug hotels and paint butterflies, finishing with a snack and a story. Shared activities offer a practical introduction to the setting.

For children with SEND, the school aims to work with families and other professionals. A SEND coordinator serves Glebeland and its partner primary school. Medical arrangements include discussing healthcare plans or treatment with the Academy Head, with parental agreement required when staff administer medication. School meal arrangements include access to menus and allergen information.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Norfolk County Council coordinates the normal Reception admissions round.

Sharing Robins Class with Reception children provides familiarity with the classroom community before the next stage. That everyday continuity is separate from admission: being comfortable in the setting does not secure a place.

Opening hours are 08:30 to 15:15, Monday to Friday. Funded and non-funded places are offered, with full-time and part-time attendance options.

Visits can be arranged through the school office at office.glebeland@consortiumtrust.org.uk or on 01502 677354. Glebeland is on Beccles Road in Toft Monks. At collection, children remain with staff until their parent arrives; an unfamiliar adult cannot collect a child unless the school has been notified beforehand.