Great Heath Academy Nursery Review

Books and learning to get along give Great Heath Academy’s nursery its clearest character. In January 2024, nursery children were keen to listen to adults reading, while early years children were developing the ability to negotiate and reach agreement. These are useful foundations for joining a group and taking part in learning.

Apple is the nursery class name used for September 2025. The provision belongs to Great Heath Academy in Girton Close, Mildenhall. Ofsted graded the academy’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 23 and 24 January 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school.

Sharing books is a concrete part of nursery learning here. In January 2024, children actively wanted adults to read with them, giving stories a place in their early experience of education. For parents, the emphasis is on enjoying books together.

Social learning also matters. Children in the early years were learning how to negotiate with one another and compromise in January 2024. That gives the early years foundation stage a practical meaning for families: learning includes how children manage relationships, alongside the knowledge and skills they acquire.

Creative learning has a longer thread through the academy. Art skills begin in nursery and develop through the school, with teaching organised around topics. The school’s art teaching uses a purpose-built art room; painting, printing, drawing and three-dimensional work feature in its approach. Art scrapbooks follow children through school. They provide a record of work to return to as learning develops.

Settling was a strength in January 2024: support helped children beginning nursery adjust quickly. Early years staff were well trained at that inspection, connecting the care children received with their first experiences of learning.

The nursery team includes a nursery nurse and teaching assistants. For additional needs, the academy has a SENCO supported by a SENCO assistant. Its curriculum is adapted where necessary so learners can take part, giving families a clear support structure for discussing their child’s needs.

School lunches require advance payment through My Child At School (MCAS). This makes payment an administrative task to complete ahead of the meal.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the local authority, rather than treating their nursery application as covering both stages.

For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past. The local authority communicates the allocation decision directly to families; nursery entry is handled by the academy itself. Keep those two processes separate when planning the next stage.

To apply for nursery, call 01638 713430 and ask for the head of nursery admissions. General enquiries can also go to GRE-officeadmin@attrust.org.uk.

Nursery uniform includes a white polo shirt. The academy’s uniform also specifies a green logo jumper or cardigan, grey trousers or a skirt, and black leather or faux-leather shoes. Clothing is therefore part of preparing for nursery, alongside the application itself.