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Nursery at Clowne Infant and Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Children’s interests set the direction at Clowne: In the Moment Planning combines spontaneous play with topics planned by adults. For three- and four-year-olds, this means staff can build learning around an absorbing game or a new question, rather than relying entirely on a fixed activity sequence. The nursery forms part of Clowne Infant and Nursery School on Ringer Lane.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 14 and 15 May 2024. Its nursery-specific findings included skilled staff, thoughtful curriculum planning and attentive care, giving families a positive assessment of both teaching and relationships.
Play provides the starting point; adults extend it. Staff watch and listen, join children’s activities and introduce questions or challenges when an opportunity arises. Alongside this In the Moment Planning, topics give learning some structure. Children therefore have room to pursue an interest, with adults helping them take it further.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning and development together through play, guided activities and direct teaching. Development Matters 2021 guides planning across its seven areas. Indoor and outdoor learning spaces support this mix, while calm corners and individual display spaces give children places to pause and share achievements.
Language gets daily attention through rhymes, poems, songs and books. Twinkl Phonics supports early sound learning, while White Rose/Mastering the Curriculum informs mathematics. Nursery writing activities include independently chosen mark-making and small-group sound work; children who are ready can begin forming letters from their own names. These are practical steps towards expressing ideas on paper.
Books also have their own spaces. Cosy reading areas sit within the early years provision, and nursery children have a scheduled library slot to explore books and choose one for home. That connects the nursery day with shared reading beyond the classroom.
WellComm supports children who need help with communication and language. Emotional support is equally concrete: The Colour Monster feelings boards, calm boxes and a kindness bucket provide ways to discuss feelings and recognise considerate behaviour. Nursery children can also receive Nurture Support, working with a trained adult on emotions and wellbeing.
Class Dojo carries children’s learning records and updates for parents, who can contribute their own observations. Craft days and celebration evenings create further opportunities to take part. For additional needs, families can contact the SENDCO through senco@clowne-inf.derbyshire.sch.uk; the family support worker also offers appointments for parents seeking advice.
Oral health is part of nursery learning, using practical activities, stories and a dentist visit to introduce tooth care. This makes a daily care habit something children can understand and practise.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Derbyshire County Council’s admissions website. The usual application window runs from November to January for entry the following September, so keep the Reception application separate from the nursery booking.
School readiness support is separate from the Reception application process. Nursery key workers help children work on the school’s readiness activities, with families encouraged to practise at home too. This gives home and nursery a shared focus for the next stage.
Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am. Afternoon sessions begin at 12.30pm, with listed finishes of 3.00pm or 3.30pm. Full days have listed starts of 8.45am or 9.15am and finishes of 3.00pm or 3.15pm. Keep those alternative times in mind when organising collection.
The nursery provides 15 funded hours through five morning or five afternoon sessions. Its 30-hour offer combines that entitlement with an additional 15 hours for parents meeting the government criteria. The school follows Derbyshire term dates and closes for its inset days.
Nursery applications go through the school office or its nursery application form. Contact 01246 810518 or info@clowne-inf.derbyshire.sch.uk. For illness, notify the office before 8.30am; after sickness or diarrhoea, children should return only once 48 hours have passed since the last episode.
The nursery’s funded provision covers three- and four-year-olds.
Staff use children’s interests and spontaneous play as opportunities for learning, adding questions and challenges alongside planned topics.
Class Dojo holds learning records and updates. Parents can add contributions, and the early years team also invites families to craft days and celebration evenings.
Yes. Listed full-day starts are 8.45am or 9.15am, with finishes at 3.00pm or 3.15pm.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Derbyshire County Council. The usual application window opens in November and closes in January for the following September.
