Nursery at Brockwell Nursery and Infant School

A playground of its own and time for both shared teaching and independent play give Brockwell’s nursery a distinct daily rhythm. Children can join from age three, with part-time and full-time places within Brockwell Nursery and Infant School on Purbeck Avenue, Chesterfield. Outdoor learning is part of each day’s provision, rather than reserved for occasional activities.

Early years teachers plan the learning, supported by teaching assistants. The choice between shorter sessions and a full day lets families select either a morning or afternoon pattern, or a day that includes lunch, subject to availability.

Each session combines teaching together, smaller group work and opportunities for children to choose their own activities. Snack and story time provide shared pauses. This gives children experience of listening and learning with others alongside practising independence.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides the nursery curriculum. Brockwell organises learning around topics, building knowledge and skills step by step. In parent terms, children return to earlier learning and practise it through connected activities. Continuous provision, the activities children can access independently, gives them time to experiment and pursue interests. Early years mathematics is practical, with Numicon among the resources used to explore number.

The nursery has its own outdoor play space, while Forest School uses the triangular upper corner of the school field. A seating circle provides a gathering point. Children across the school take part on a rolling programme during the year; activities include making dens, looking for wildlife and modelling with clay or mud. Independent exploration and a closing discussion give children opportunities to choose, then talk about their experiences. Nursery galleries also record animal encounters and bench painting, concrete examples of learning beyond table activities.

At the November 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that early years children developed reading and number skills from nursery, experienced purposeful outdoor learning and formed positive relationships with adults. Children also shared resources and took turns, giving social learning a place alongside early literacy and mathematics.

Snack is included in each nursery session. Children attending full time bring a packed lunch, so families provide the midday meal rather than relying on the infant school’s dinner arrangements.

For children who need additional help, Brockwell’s SEND approach includes early identification and working with parents. Adjustments to the learning environment and staff training form part of that approach. The school’s SEND Information Report and Whole School Provision Map give families routes into understanding the support offered.

Pastoral provision across Brockwell includes Nurture Groups and support from an Early Help Officer or Art Therapist, delivered individually or in small groups. Parents as well as staff can request this support. Routine school letters reach families through email or text notifications, with paper copies obtainable through the office or class teacher.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Derbyshire County Council, including when their child already attends Brockwell’s nursery. The online route is derbyshire.gov.uk/admissions. For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that cycle is now past.

Transition has its own practical support. Reception staff spend time with children in the nursery before school entry, and Brockwell offers three transition visits for children and parents. These opportunities help make people and routines familiar. They are separate from the allocation of places.

Morning sessions run from 8.40am to 11.40am; afternoons run from 12.20pm to 3.20pm. Each part-time pattern totals 15 hours a week. Full-time attendance runs from 9.10am to 3.10pm, totalling 30 hours weekly. A paid early start for full-time nursery children can be booked ahead through ParentPay.

The school accepts funded 15-hour places and, for eligible working parents using a government code, 30-hour places. Full-time attendance can also be privately funded. Refer to the school for current charges. Visits are arranged by appointment: call 01246 232034 or email enquiries@brockwell-inf.derbyshire.sch.uk.

Brockwell follows Derbyshire County Council term dates. School colours are red with black or dark grey, and branded clothing is optional. Non-branded schoolwear and pre-loved items provide alternatives.