Dunalley Primary School Nursery Review

Independence, curiosity and learning outdoors give Dunalley's early years its character. In January 2023, children developed their knowledge and skills through both indoor and outdoor activities, with learning matched to their needs. The emphasis was on helping young children become confident enough to explore and do more for themselves.

The nursery belongs to Dunalley Primary School on West Drive in Cheltenham. At the January 2023 inspection, it accommodated children aged two to four. Ofsted judged the school's early years Good at that inspection: this was an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Seven areas of development shape the nursery curriculum. Language and communication, physical development, and emotional and social development form the prime areas. Alongside them sit literacy, numeracy, expressive arts and design, and understanding the world. For parents, that means learning encompasses movement, relationships and communication as well as early reading and number work.

Indoor and outdoor learning spaces both contribute to the day. In January 2023, staff used these environments effectively to develop children's understanding and abilities. Activities encouraged independence and curiosity, so the preparation for later learning involved more than acquiring knowledge: children were also learning to approach activities with confidence.

The summer 2026 nursery themes included Sharing our planet and How we organise ourselves. These gave families named curriculum themes to connect with learning at home. That summer's nursery programme also anticipated children moving to preschool in September, showing a stage between the nursery experience and starting school.

Settling into routines was a strength of the early years in January 2023. Children learned those routines quickly, helping them participate in the school day. Learning to respect differences also began in the nursery, making consideration for others part of children's earliest experience here.

For additional needs, the school makes adaptations covering SEND, other needs, and cultural or religious considerations. Family support includes a Child and Family Worker who can direct families towards agencies and make referrals where appropriate. These are school support arrangements, giving parents a route to discuss concerns alongside their child's learning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Gloucestershire County Council manages Dunalley's school admissions; the nursery decision and the Reception application should therefore be treated as separate steps.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was midnight on 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past. The nursery's summer 2026 move towards preschool was an educational next step, not an assurance of a later school place. Familiarity with the setting and entitlement to admission are separate questions for families to keep clear.

Nursery enquiries can go through the school's administration team, which forwards questions to the appropriate staff member or responds directly. Contact the team on 01242 512391 or at dunalley@dunalley.gloucs.sch.uk. The school address is West Drive, Cheltenham, GL50 4LB.

For summer 2026, nursery children were asked to come with sunscreen already applied and a named sun hat or cap. A neck protector was optional. These practical preparations supported children's use of the outdoor learning environment.