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Nursery at Calow CofE VC 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Wellies and a Busy Book capture two sides of nursery life at Calow: outdoor exploration and news shared between home and class. This is the school's own 26-place nursery for children aged three and four, within Calow CofE VC Primary School on North Road in Chesterfield. Children can join after their third birthday, with the timing of universal funding treated separately from their start date.
An early years teacher and teaching assistant form the staffing structure described for the provision, with more than 30 years of experience between them. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 28 and 29 September 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school.
Play takes children between the indoor learning space and the nursery's outdoor area. Keeping wellies at school supports participation across changing weather, so outdoor exploration is part of the nursery experience. Families can choose five mornings or, subject to eligibility for the extended entitlement, five full days.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning with children's communication, movement, relationships and exploration. Music makes that approach concrete: songs support language and daily routines, while children join rhymes and experiment with untuned instruments. Sound work also includes body percussion and listening to differences between environmental and instrumental sounds. In September 2022, nursery children used listening games to develop the sound awareness needed for reading.
Development Matters and Birth to Five Matters guide early scientific learning. Adults build on children's interests through exploration and observation, using stories, poems and factual texts alongside experiences indoors and outside. Nursery geography topics include autumn, Chinese New Year and what children can observe in a garden. History introduces similarities and differences between people, the distinction between old and new, and journeys. These give children familiar starting points for talking about the world.
Every nursery child has a Busy Book. Families use it to share achievements, celebrations and home news; staff add information about the week's learning. It gives parents a practical connection with classroom life and gives children's experiences beyond nursery a place in class conversation.
For children attending through the 30-hour entitlement, a school meal can be supplied for an additional charge. The school's catering service is provided by Derbyshire County Council, and its medical-diet process covers allergies and intolerances. The school snack policy limits food brought for break times to fresh vegetables and fruit.
The school SEND policy provides for support both within the classroom and through specific work outside it. Parents are encouraged to join review meetings, giving families a role in decisions about provision. The school's Early Help offer also includes family support meetings and assessments that bring professionals together around a family's needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Derbyshire County Council's normal admissions process.
For children born from 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023, applications open on 10 November 2026 and must be submitted by 15 January 2027. Apply online through the council's school-place application service; families unable to apply online can telephone its admissions and transport team on 01629 533190. Choosing nursery and applying for Reception remain separate decisions.
The universal pattern is 8:45am to 11:45am across five mornings. Eligible children using the extended entitlement attend from 8:45am to 2:45pm across five full days. A paid half-hour extension takes collection to 3:15pm. The universal entitlement covers 15 hours each week over 38 weeks; funding starts in the term after a child's third birthday. Additional paid hours are also an option for families entitled to 15 funded hours who want longer attendance. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries go directly to the office on 01246 274370 or through the nursery enquiry form, which asks whether families want 15 or 30 hours. Visits can be arranged by telephone before joining the waiting list.
Children can join after their third birthday. Universal funding begins at the start of the following term.
Five mornings run from 8:45am to 11:45am. The eligible extended-entitlement pattern runs from 8:45am to 2:45pm across five full days, with a paid extension to 3:15pm.
Each child has a Busy Book for home news and achievements, with weekly learning information added by staff.
A school meal can be supplied for children accessing the 30-hour entitlement, with an additional charge. Contact the school for current charges.
No. A separate application goes through Derbyshire County Council. For children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023, the deadline is 15 January 2027.
