E-ACT Greenfield Primary Academy Nursery

Stories, songs and the first steps towards reading give Greenfield’s nursery its clearest character. Adults use stories and singing to engage children, with language development a central priority. For parents, that puts talking and listening alongside the preparation for phonics, rather than treating early reading as an isolated task.

The nursery forms part of Greenfield E-ACT Primary Academy on Novers Lane in Bristol. Ofsted graded the academy’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 15 and 16 October 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Communication shapes the learning. In October 2024, language received close attention because many children began school with speech and language skills needing development. Nursery adults drew children into songs and stories, building the foundations for learning to recognise sounds in words.

Across early years, staff also planned activities that let children revisit their learning through play. One example involved fishing for sounds to practise phonics. The practical point is repetition with a purpose: children have another opportunity to use a developing skill through an activity.

Movement has a learning role too. Indoor play and outdoor play help early years children develop coordination and strength through their bodies. These are concrete examples of the early years foundation stage in action: language, physical development and early literacy grow through activities children can take part in.

Additional needs are addressed through the academy’s support arrangements. Staff use assessment, introduce learning in advance and plan opportunities to practise it again. These methods give children more than one opportunity to become familiar with new learning.

For a child with a new or existing disability, an individual accessibility plan is developed with the site manager and a senior leader. This connects support to the child’s access needs. Families’ views are sought throughout the year, and the academy works with outside professionals and follows their advice. Parents can discuss additional needs through the school office.

Lunch for nursery children starts at 11.30am. Children have an hour for lunch, giving this part of the day its own scheduled time.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the local authority’s timetable.

For Bristol families, applications go through Bristol City Council using its Common Application Form, either online or by post. Families living outside Bristol use their home local authority’s process. Keep that application separate from the nursery decision: choosing the nursery is not an offer of a later school place.

Personal tours include both the nursery and academy, giving families an opportunity to look around the provision. Enquiries can be made using the contact form, by calling 0117 377 2191 or by emailing receptiongre@e-act.org.uk.

For autumn planning, the academy’s current term ends on 23 October 2026. The next term runs from 2 November to 18 December 2026, with the academy closed for staff training on 2 November. Factor that closure into childcare planning.