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Nursery at Willoughby 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, communication and sensory learning define Willoughby's early years pathway, whose classes are Magnolia and Monkey Puzzle. This is specialist provision within an academy in Bourne for children with severe and profound learning difficulties. Every pupil has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), so individual needs shape the educational offer.
The academy's designated age range is 2–19, but its September 2025 account gives the actual pupil age range as 4–19. Its 148 places cover the whole academy. These distinctions matter for families considering provision before school age: the early years pathway should not be read as a conventional nursery intake.
Magnolia and Monkey Puzzle follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with play used to extend children's interests and develop thinking, relationships and emotional skills. Learning takes place outside as well as inside, with sensory resources and specialist equipment supporting participation. The emphasis is on how each child learns.
Communication has several forms here. Across the academy, the total communication approach includes Makaton, symbols, gestures and assistive technology alongside speech. That gives children ways to participate and express themselves beyond spoken language. Programmes that may be used include Attention Autism, with visually engaging objects to draw shared attention, and Intensive Interaction, which uses imitation and turn-taking to support exchanges led by the child.
Physical resources include a sensory integration suite and the 4D Immersive Space. Outdoors, Willoughby Paddock is a small wooded area within the grounds where Forest School takes place. A story exploration route, shelters and log seating around a cooking fire pit give outdoor learning specific activities and places. Every pupil has the opportunity to participate in Forest School.
Across the academy, classes have a teacher working with teaching assistants. Staff receive core training relevant to their roles; additional training includes medical care and moving and handling. Collaboration with physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists connects educational support with children's physical and communication needs.
Joining arrangements are personalised. Children can visit with parents or carers before starting, and newcomers have an individual transition plan. For families, this provides a planned introduction rather than a single unfamiliar first day. Daily Tapestry updates carry messages between home and school, while EHCP annual reviews and parents' evenings provide opportunities to discuss progress.
Meals are cooked daily by Ideal HSM in a local kitchen. Families order directly through the supplier, including when meals are free.
In November 2023, the inspection found that the informal curriculum supported sensory and communication needs from early years onwards, although nobody on roll was under four. Assessment within that pathway also needed attention: some provision maps lacked clear measures of success, leaving next learning targets insufficiently precise. Families should keep the connection between small learning steps and EHCP outcomes central to progress discussions.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Willoughby's admissions operate through the child's home local authority and require an EHC plan; the academy must admit a child when it is named in that plan. For the next stage, families should discuss the placement with their local authority SEND team.
Class transition is a separate practical matter. Staff share information with the next teacher and hold planning meetings. Where possible, children spend time with their next class before changing groups, giving them a chance to become familiar with the new setting.
The academy day runs from 9am to 3pm. This is the school day, rather than a nursery session booking pattern. Enquiries go to the administration team on 01778 425203 or willoughbyenquiries@prioryacademies.co.uk, and families can contact the academy to arrange a visit.
For placement enquiries, Lincolnshire families contact the local authority SEND team on 01522 553 332. Families living elsewhere use the equivalent team in their home authority.
Magnolia and Monkey Puzzle follow the EYFS, using play to develop children's interests, thinking, social skills and emotional development.
No. Willoughby's placements are arranged through the home local authority and depend on an EHC plan naming the academy.
Children can visit with parents or carers before starting. Transition arrangements are adapted to individual needs, and new pupils have a detailed transition plan.
Every pupil has the opportunity to join Forest School in Willoughby Paddock, a small copse within the academy grounds.
Meals are freshly prepared by Ideal HSM in a local kitchen. Families order directly from the supplier, whether meals are free or paid for.
