Pilsley Primary School Nursery

Simple French words begin in Foundation 1 at Pilsley, giving its nursery a distinctive language thread alongside early learning. This is the nursery within Pilsley Primary School on Station Road, rather than a separate childcare setting. Foundation 1 has a class teacher, and families can arrange an EYFS tour through the school office.

Two shorter sessions and an all-day pattern give the day its practical shape. Morning attendance runs from 8:45am until 11:45am; the afternoon begins at noon and finishes at 3pm. Children attending all day have an 8:45am start and a 3pm finish. That gives families a choice between a shorter session and a longer day.

Early years learning brings together communication, playing with others, early reading and writing skills, and mathematical understanding. In February 2024, Ofsted identified language development as a clear focus across the early years and described children cooperating over sandpit tools. The sandpit offers a concrete example of social learning through play: sharing equipment matters alongside the activity itself. Early literacy and mathematics activities also prepared children for their next learning stage.

French starts with simple vocabulary in Foundation 1. Songs, stories, rhymes and games are among the methods used to teach the language across the school, making speaking and listening part of its approach.

Settling support sits within the school's pastoral manager role, which includes helping new children, addressing anxiety and supporting friendships. The pastoral manager is generally available around the beginning and end of the day. This gives parents a contact for concerns that affect a child's learning or wellbeing, including difficulties with routines at home.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities, the school's support structure includes the class teacher, SENCo and specialist staff. Its listed communication interventions include Makaton and visual communication systems. These are school support options to discuss in relation to an individual child's needs, rather than a standard programme for every nursery child.

Parent involvement is part of that support. A home-school communication book can be used where it is agreed to help, and individual plans are reviewed with parents each term. For food-related care, families with medical dietary requirements should contact the office so arrangements can be discussed with catering staff. Medicine administration requires parental consent forms, giving families a defined process for sharing care needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Derbyshire County Council, using its online application route or telephone service. Treat this as a separate step from registering for the nursery.

Transition support concerns preparation for change. Teachers pass important information to the next teacher, while the pastoral manager, specialist teacher and teaching assistants can help children who need additional preparation. The school's individual transition programmes may use small groups or one-to-one work, sometimes involving other professionals. For a child who finds change difficult, this provides a way to plan support around their needs.

Nursery registration uses the form linked from the admissions page. Enquiries go directly to the school on 01773 872378, and the office can arrange an EYFS tour. The admissions page also links families to eligibility information for 30-hour childcare; the nursery day guidance includes children attending regularly for 30 hours each week.

Drop-off and collection use the white Foundation 1 nursery door. School uniform guidance specifies a navy cardigan or sweatshirt, a white shirt or polo, and grey, black or navy bottoms. Branded clothing is optional, so families can choose where to buy it. School newsletters reach parents through Parenthub, with joining details supplied when their child starts.