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Nursery at Queen's Park Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An earlier start is the defining change at Queen's Park Academy Nursery: children can now join from age two, with the provision expanded from September 2026. The nursery sits on the academy site in Bedford. The school aims to give younger starters more time to develop friendships and communication, and to become comfortable with nursery life before moving on.
Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good following its inspection on 4 and 5 May 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school and predates the new provision for two-year-olds.
Morning and afternoon sessions give the day two distinct patterns. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning, development and children's welfare together in a framework for the youngest children. Here, personal and social learning includes Jigsaw, which begins in EYFS: listening to other people, expressing ideas and recognising differences are part of the approach. These are useful foundations for sharing activities with other children.
A firefighter's visit gives a concrete example of nursery learning. Children explored rescue work involving animals and water, alongside fire safety and seasonal advice about fireworks. It connected an adult's job with situations children could understand. In May 2022, early years children were learning to cooperate and help one another; established routines supported their concentration. Early reading also developed through phonics taught in sequence, with staff checking learning regularly.
The nursery's aim for younger starters is to allow time for settling and communication to develop at each child's pace. Families can arrange a visit before joining. Across the academy, ClassDojo is the main channel for parent communication, giving families a regular route for contact.
Food is prepared in the school kitchen, with at least three main-course choices alongside vegetables and desserts. Chartwells provides the meals, and families order and pay through Arbor. Nursery meals carry a charge; ask the school for current charges.
For additional needs, parents can use the Additional Needs Referral Form to start a discussion with the SENCO or Assistant SENCO. The school's support model involves assessing needs, planning help, putting it into practice and reviewing its effect with families. Physical access. In September 2025, three nursery doorways were exceptions to the school's wheelchair-friendly access. This matters for families whose child uses a wheelchair.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority for the 2027 intake. Families must make a separate application through Bedford Borough's coordinated admissions process, using the local authority's common application form. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027.
Transition support is a separate matter. For the 2026 Reception intake, children already attending the nursery had home visits scheduled in September. This provided contact with families as children moved to the next stage; it did not replace the admissions application.
The morning session runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.20pm. Families register interest by choosing AM, PM or Full Day and requesting 15 or 30 hours.
Universal funding provides 15 hours from the term after a child's third birthday. Eligible two-year-olds can receive up to 15 hours through Bedford Borough funding; eligible working parents of three- and four-year-olds can access 30 hours. The 30-hour arrangement excludes lunch periods, which carry a charge. Hours beyond a child's 15- or 30-hour arrangement also cost extra. Contact the office on 01234 352901 or qpa@queensparkacademy.co.uk for enquiries and visit bookings.
Children can join from age two. The expanded provision began from September 2026.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am, and afternoon sessions from 12.30pm to 3.20pm. Full Day is also a registration option.
No. It does not guarantee a place or confer priority for the 2027 intake. Apply separately through Bedford Borough by 15 January 2027 for September 2027 entry.
Yes. There are 15 universal hours from the term after a child's third birthday, up to 15 hours for eligible two-year-olds and 30 hours for eligible working parents of three- and four-year-olds. Lunch periods are charged on 30-hour places.
Use the nursery's Register Your Interest form or contact the school office on 01234 352901 or qpa@queensparkacademy.co.uk. Visits can be arranged through the office.
