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Nursery at Long Row Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play leads the learning at Long Row: children pursue their own ideas, then work with adults who help them take those ideas further. The nursery belongs to Long Row Primary School in Belper and forms part of its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Its curriculum connects learning with the town’s world heritage setting, giving children a local context for exploring the world.
Secure routines frame that play. The emphasis is on building confidence, solving problems and developing relationships, with learning shaped around what children can already do. For families, the central attraction is this combination of time to explore and adult direction.
Child-led activity sits alongside guided tasks, demonstrations and direct teaching. Sustained play gives children time to revisit a skill rather than move immediately to something new. Adults observe their progress and use those observations to decide the next steps, so the learning programme can respond to individual interests and needs.
The EYFS brings together seven learning areas. At Long Row, these include physical development, communication, early mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world, alongside literacy and social development. Development Matters guides the curriculum. In parent terms, learning extends beyond early reading and counting to how children communicate, manage relationships and explore ideas.
Language receives deliberate attention through vocabulary development and conversation. Ofsted’s February 2024 inspection found that children across the early years began reading successfully, with early language and sound work introduced from the start. It also described early-years children exploring basic mapping through trips into the surrounding area. These are early-years findings rather than a separate nursery judgement.
Activities and the curriculum are adjusted for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). That flexibility matters: children can work towards their next steps through tasks suited to their needs, rather than follow an identical programme.
The pastoral team serves both school and nursery. It includes three safeguarding leads and two senior mental health leads, alongside an attendance officer who also works as a learning mentor. Parents can raise concerns with their child’s class teacher first or telephone for an appointment. Support may involve family workshops or help from outside organisations.
School meals are cooked on site by Derbyshire County Council’s catering team. The school menu includes hot choices, pasta pots and jacket potatoes; fruit, vegetables, bread and water are offered daily. Medical and special diets are catered for, providing a practical route for families managing dietary needs.
Reception admission is separate. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place at Long Row Primary School. Families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions process by the applicable deadline. Treat choosing a nursery and securing a school place as separate decisions.
For nursery enquiries, contact Long Row Primary and Nursery School at info@longrow.derbyshire.sch.uk or telephone 01773 823319. The school is on Long Row in Belper, DE56 1DR.
For medical or special dietary arrangements, the school office is the contact point. Discuss the child’s needs through that route when organising meals.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place, and families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process.
Children combine their own play with adult-guided activities and direct teaching. Sustained play lets them repeat and practise skills, while staff observations inform their next steps.
The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, with Development Matters used to guide its curriculum across seven learning areas.
The curriculum and activities are adapted to children’s needs and interests, including those of children with SEND.
Email info@longrow.derbyshire.sch.uk or call 01773 823319. Parents raising a concern about their child can speak to the class teacher first or telephone to arrange an appointment.
