Staniland Academy Nursery Review

Learning by doing gives Staniland’s early years its character: reading connects with creative activities indoors and outside, rather than standing apart from play. The nursery provision belongs to Staniland Academy on Peck Avenue in Boston, with the school’s age range starting at three.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years Outstanding at the inspection on 7 and 8 May 2025. That judgement covers the early years foundation stage, rather than a separate nursery inspection. Children showed enthusiasm and independence, while adults developed their language and communication through purposeful activities.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, movement, relationships, early reading and writing, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. For parents, this means learning extends beyond recognising letters or counting: talking, making choices and getting along with others also belong in the curriculum. Staniland places emphasis on practical experiences, speaking and early reading.

Reading links to creative activity both outdoors and indoors. This gives children different ways to explore ideas from books through doing, rather than relying only on listening. Across the school’s early years, named themes include Terrific Tales, Amazing Animals and Grow, giving the learning recognisable starting points.

A wormery gave children a practical way to use what they had learned at the May 2025 inspection. Skilled support for speaking and communicating helped keep children involved in their learning. For parents, the findings point to purposeful activity with scope for individual interests: detailed curriculum planning could adapt as children’s needs changed, while the learning spaces invited creative exploration.

Healthy habits have a practical place in early years. The SMILES project involves the Lincolnshire Dental Team, with children learning toothbrushing each day. In May 2025, children participated enthusiastically in brushing after lunch. This makes oral care part of the day’s routines as well as something to learn about.

For additional needs, the school gathers information through conversations with parents and nursery visits at intake. Its SEND arrangements include individual education plans that are reviewed and monitored; referral to specialist teachers, speech therapy or educational psychology may follow discussions with parents when additional school support is insufficient. The sequence gives families a role in identifying needs and reviewing support.

MyEd handles most school communication with parents, although paper letters are sometimes used. School catering comes from Voyage Education Kitchen, with hot and cold options. Saffron provides menu and allergen information, including filters for vegetarian, vegan and halal choices, helping families examine meal choices in detail.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Attendance at the nursery does not confer priority: after children whose education, health and care plans name the Academy, the criteria prioritise looked-after and previously looked-after children, qualifying siblings and proximity. Families should treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.

The school office can be contacted on 01205 365527 or at enquiries@stanilandacademy.net, and there is a contact form. Office hours are 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. That gives parents a direct route for enquiries and ongoing administrative contact.

The Academy’s address is Peck Avenue, Boston, PE21 8DF. MyEd also handles requested school payments, bringing communication and payment administration into the same app.