Henhurst Ridge Primary Academy Nursery Review

Mud-kitchen recipes, story retelling and movement to music give Little Harriers its character: play is the starting point for learning. This is Henhurst Ridge Primary Academy’s on-site nursery in Burton-on-Trent. It opened in September 2019. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 17 and 18 January 2023; that judgement covers early years within the school.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning about feelings, conversation and physical development with early literacy, maths, creativity and discovering the world. Children practise these through play and adult interaction. The nursery curriculum uses Cornerstones themes and Talk 4 Writing. Seasonal exploration and imaginary worlds provide starting points for talking, making and investigating.

Books have a physical home in the book corner and nursery library, with shared reading led by a keyworker each week. Daily stories sit alongside songs and retelling activities. Phase 1 Letters & Sounds develops listening, rhyme and awareness of sounds; progression to Read Write Inc phonics is planned where appropriate in the summer term. The emphasis is on building the skills that make later reading possible.

Outdoor learning includes a mud kitchen, while hall sessions create space for movement. Planned activities include working with natural materials, throwing and catching, and constructing models. Funky Fingers uses daily movement to music to practise the arm, wrist and finger movements involved in writing. Maths also enters ordinary routines: children count during registration and use blocks to vote for books. Numbers have a practical purpose.

In January 2023, children across early years settled rapidly, developed friendships with adult help and learnt alongside one another. Independence is also a nursery curriculum goal. Everyday practice includes handling coats and aprons, choosing resources and learning to manage personal care. At lunchtime, using cutlery and understanding healthy eating are part of the learning, alongside routines for drinking, hygiene and rest.

For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school monitors development and involves parents in planning support. Children on the SEND register have individual learning plans, with termly meetings for parents to discuss progress and targets. School facilities include an ELSA Room for emotional support and a Sensory Room with special lighting. These provide spaces beyond the classroom for children who need additional support.

The urgent Ofsted inspection on 16 July 2024 found safeguarding effective, including appropriate early years qualifications, staffing ratios and collection checks. However, safeguarding oversight across the school was under pressure because team capacity had not kept pace with growth. Some temporary staff induction was delayed. Children had not been put at risk, but insufficient oversight had the potential to do so unless addressed. Families should weigh that concern alongside the early years safeguards.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.

Transition support is a separate matter. Children joining Reception visit the classroom and meet staff before starting. Where SEND is already identified, the SEND coordinator can visit the preschool setting and join relevant meetings where appropriate. Information about individual support is passed between staff. This helps adults plan for a child’s needs; it does not establish an admissions advantage.

The school office handles enquiries on 01283 372200, and families can call to book a school tour. The nursery has a manager within the staff team. A visit gives parents a chance to discuss their child’s needs and see the setting before deciding.