Seedlings Nursery at Old Leake Primary Academy

A book of the week gives Seedlings a clear daily thread: children hear familiar stories, join in repeated passages and choose other books that interest them. This is Old Leake Primary Academy’s own nursery, with play and children’s interests shaping its termly themes.

Ofsted’s June 2026 inspection judged the school’s early years provision to be at the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Children were happy and received good care, alongside a specific need to make adults’ teaching interactions more consistent.

Seedlings aims to build learning around play, combining termly themes with the interests children bring to nursery. Its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum brings together language, relationships, movement, early reading and writing, number, exploration of the world and creative expression. For parents, that means learning extends beyond practising letters and numbers.

Stories are read daily. Repeating the book of the week gives children opportunities to remember the story and contribute words themselves, supporting language development. Children can also ask staff to read their own choices. Accessible books change with the themes, keeping familiar reading alongside fresh material.

Swimming adds a distinctive physical activity. JB Sports Coaching provides the Swim at School programme on site, using a pool measuring 10m by 5m beneath a marquee. Nursery children receive individual adult support in the pool.

In June 2026, early years learning followed organised milestones, with reading, writing, mathematics and vocabulary receiving attention. Activities generally supported that learning, but adults sometimes failed to involve children fully or develop their understanding further. Improving the consistency of these interactions was an explicit next step. The practical issue is how reliably staff turn an activity into a learning conversation.

Settling starts with a questionnaire about the child, their family and interests. Stay and Play sessions give families time with staff and the nursery environment. Transition sessions usually begin in the preceding term: a parent accompanies the child initially, followed by a short independent session. Children who need longer can increase their hours gradually through an agreed plan.

Toileting support accommodates different stages of development, including children still wearing nappies. Toilets are inside the nursery room, with nappy changing in the same area. Families provide nappies, wipes and cream where needed, plus spare clothing for toilet training. Care does not depend on arriving fully toilet trained.

Tapestry connects nursery learning with home through photographs, observations, messages and suggested activities. Parents can contribute their own pictures and comments, giving staff another view of a child’s interests. The June 2026 early years findings also recognised that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities were generally supported effectively.

Attending Seedlings does not guarantee a Reception place at Old Leake Primary Academy. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.

Visits can be requested by emailing officeadmin@oldleakeprimaryacademy.net. Seedlings uniform is optional; comfortable clothing with manageable fastenings supports movement and toileting. Children need wellies kept at nursery, a suitable coat and spare clothes.

After School Club accepts nursery children and runs from 3:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with colouring, baking, games and playdough among its activities. Booking at least a week ahead is preferred, and payment is required when booking. Contact the academy for current charges.