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Nursery at The Grove Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Nursery rhymes and ambitious vocabulary give The Grove’s youngest provision its character: early reading begins with listening, while investigations give children new words to use. Cygnets is the nursery class at The Grove Primary School on Campkin Road in Cambridge, with an age range of two and a half to four. It forms part of the primary school rather than a separate childcare setting.
The nursery opened in September 2022. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 28 and 29 November 2023; that is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Language gives the clearest picture of learning here. In November 2023, early years children used submerged while exploring floating and sinking, and departure when discussing a class storybook. These examples connect vocabulary to something children can investigate or talk about, giving unfamiliar words a practical meaning. The emphasis is on using language, as well as hearing it.
Nursery children also listen to rhymes and learn them. This is where the school’s reading provision begins, through spoken language and listening to familiar patterns. For parents, it gives a concrete picture of the nursery’s contribution to early reading: children take part in rhymes before the later stages of learning to read.
Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), curriculum content is arranged so that learning builds on earlier knowledge. In parent terms, activities connect with what children already know. The floating and sinking investigation and storybook discussion illustrate how exploration and language can work together.
Settling was a strength of early years in November 2023: children became involved in learning quickly and showed confidence. Routines also took shape from the beginning of early years, helping children become accustomed to school life. These findings give parents a dated picture of adjustment to the setting, rather than a promise about an individual child’s start.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the nursery manager also holds the Early Years SENCo role, alongside the school’s Deputy Head/SENCo. This gives families an identified nursery role for discussing additional needs. The nursery SEND page directs parents to the school office to arrange an appointment and links to the Cambridgeshire Local Offer, Occupational Therapy, and the Health Visiting and School Nursing Service.
Attending The Grove’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. The school directs applicants to Cambridgeshire County Council, which sets the admission arrangements, and gives 15 January each year as the closing date. Keep that application separate from nursery attendance.
Preparation for starting school has its own place. Before admission, parents are invited to a summer-term evening to meet staff, see classrooms and ask questions; children are invited to visit with their parents too. These are opportunities to become familiar with the school. They do not replace an application or secure an allocation.
The nursery is based at The Grove Primary School, Campkin Road, Cambridge, CB4 2NB. The school office is the contact point for enquiries, on 01223 577017. For SEND discussions, the nursery’s guidance specifically offers an appointment through that office.
The school lists Cygnets for children aged two and a half to four.
Nursery children listen to and learn rhymes. Early years examples from November 2023 also include vocabulary used during a floating and sinking investigation and a storybook discussion.
Early years provision was graded Good at the school inspection on 28 and 29 November 2023. This was not a separate nursery inspection.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal process. The school directs families to Cambridgeshire County Council and gives an annual closing date of 15 January.
Contact the school office on 01223 577017 to arrange an appointment. The nursery manager holds the Early Years SENCo role.
