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Nursery at Heath 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Three-hour sessions and a place for two-year-olds give Heath’s nursery a clear practical shape. This is Heath Primary School’s own provision on Slack Lane in Heath, Chesterfield, taking children aged 2–4. There are 10 morning places for two-year-olds; for children aged three and four, there are 39 morning places and 39 afternoon spaces. Those are session capacities, rather than a single combined headcount.
The nursery aims to help children build confidence, independence and friendships. Its combination of play organised by staff and activities guided by adults gives children opportunities both to pursue an interest and to learn with support.
Structured play is the starting point for nursery learning. Heath follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, with children encouraged to explore their own ideas alongside adult-guided learning. In parent terms, the approach combines children making choices with adults helping them extend their thinking. The nursery’s stated aims include curiosity and creativity, so independence is part of the intended learning experience rather than simply a care routine.
Stories and early mathematics provide more concrete detail. At the inspection on 24 and 25 May 2023, children were developing an enjoyment of stories from Nursery, while early-years mathematics concentrated on numbers, shapes and patterns. These give families a useful picture of the learning emphasis: interest in books alongside the beginnings of mathematical understanding.
For children using the separate before and after school club, activities include baking, crafts and games indoors and outside. Free play also features. These belong to the extended-care offer, rather than a promised nursery-session timetable.
For a child starting with identified special educational needs or disabilities, the school offers a visit and an induction discussion about their needs. Staff may consult the child’s existing setting, and professionals already involved may join a multi-agency meeting. The transition period can be adapted to help the child settle. That gives families a way to share familiar strategies before a new routine begins.
Parents are involved in support planning and kept informed about interventions. The SEND team liaises with professionals including occupational therapists, educational psychologists and speech and language therapists, while staff monitor progress and discuss it with families.
Food preparation has a physical base: the school has a kitchen on site that prepares meals daily. Families with dietary requirements can raise these with the catering team so an alternative can be arranged. This is the school’s catering provision.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Derbyshire County Council by the normal admissions deadline. Choose the nursery for the experience it offers now, and treat the Reception application as a separate task.
Familiarity is built through transition activities. Nursery children can join school events, including assemblies. In the term before full-time education begins, children are invited to several visits to meet their teacher and get to know the surroundings. An induction meeting with Foundation Stage staff gives parents time to discuss routines and expectations. These activities prepare children for the change; they do not secure admission.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, and afternoons from 12.20pm to 3.20pm. Two-year-old morning places can be funded or paid. The 15-hour nursery entitlement begins in the term after a child’s third birthday. Eligible children can use the 30-hour offer across four and a half funded full days, with another half-day session available to purchase. Funding is described on a term-time basis across 38 weeks. Contact the school for current charges.
To join the waiting list, contact the office; allocation depends on the child’s age. Tours can also be arranged through the school on 01246 850277. The before and after school club accepts nursery children, is staffed by school teaching assistants and can be booked through ParentPay, with enquiries handled by the office.
Children aged 2–4, with morning provision for two-year-olds and morning and afternoon places for three- and four-year-olds.
Morning sessions are 8.30am–11.30am. Afternoon sessions are 12.20pm–3.20pm.
Two-year-old morning places include funded and paid options. The 15-hour entitlement starts in the term after the third birthday, and 30-hour provision is offered subject to eligibility.
No. Families must apply separately through Derbyshire County Council by the normal admissions deadline.
Yes. Nursery children can attend the before and after school club. Sessions can be booked through ParentPay, and the school office handles enquiries.
