Ivingswood Academy Nursery Review

A separate outdoor area, visits to the spinney and a library of den-making kits give Ivingswood Academy’s nursery a character built around play and exploration. Children aged two to four attend the school’s own provision in Chesham, with access to the hall and field as well as nursery spaces. The surroundings extend the possibilities beyond classroom toys.

There is an important qualification to that picture. At the Ofsted inspection on 21 and 22 January 2025, early years provision was graded Requires improvement. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Children choose activities indoors and outside, while staff watch their play and participate to develop learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together communication, physical development and relationships with early literacy, maths, creative expression and discovering the world. In parent terms, learning includes how children talk, move and play together, alongside the beginnings of reading and number work.

Outdoor play has several settings. Alongside its separate area, the nursery shares a playground, grass and garden with Reception. Children also use the school hall and field, and visit the spinney. These give play different spaces and connect nursery children with the wider school environment. Sessions finish with a shared story or singing before children leave.

Early learning has strengths and weaknesses. In January 2025, children in early years practised counting, identifying numbers and exploring shapes, while nursery sound-awareness work prepared children for later phonics. However, independent activities and adult teaching did not focus closely enough on each child’s next step. The curriculum needed a clearer sequence towards the early learning goals, so children could build more securely on existing knowledge. Early writing foundations also needed attention: insufficient emphasis on handwriting and constructing sentences left gaps in children’s learning. For families, the important question is how an enjoyable activity advances their child’s understanding.

Each child has a key person who gets to know both child and family. Settling is a joint process with parents, and families are encouraged to make a comfort card for their child. During the morning, children share snacks and milk or water with their key person. That gives the relationship a place in the daily routine.

Parents can join their child for reading and play each day between 8.45 and 9.00. Come and Play mornings offer another opportunity to take part in activities. Families complete a Needs & Interests form and a termly observation sheet, helping staff connect nursery planning with children’s interests at home. The Home Learning Library includes games, books, puzzles, toys, cookery bags and den-making kits for families to share at home.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school aims to identify needs early, involve parents and work with outside agencies. Support for additional needs. In January 2025, across the school, needs were assessed accurately but teaching and curriculum adaptations were inconsistent, especially for pupils with very significant needs. Families should weigh those intentions alongside the concern about how support worked in practice.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Buckinghamshire Council by the January deadline for the relevant admissions round. Keep that application separate from nursery arrangements.

During the summer term, nursery staff work with Reception so children moving up can become familiar with their future teachers and surroundings. Shared outdoor spaces provide another connection between the classes. This is preparation for the change of classroom, rather than an admission entitlement.

Children can join from their second birthday, with nursery entry at the beginning of a term. Application forms are collected from the school office; after a form is received, children join a waiting list and the nursery manager contacts families when a place opens.

For three- and four-year-olds, the nursery offers 15 funded hours each week, alongside 30-hour provision. Some two-year-olds can receive funding. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery enquiries go through office@ivingswoodacademy.org or 01494 783070.

Clothing advice is practical: label belongings and choose jogging bottoms or an elasticated waist to make toileting and nappy changes easier. Families are also asked to telephone when a child is absent and provide a note on their return.