William Rhodes Primary and Nursery School Nursery Review

Learning alongside older children shapes nursery life at William Rhodes. The Foundation Unit brings Nursery and Reception together in a large classroom, with a dedicated outdoor area extending the space for play. Children join from the term after their third birthday. This is a nursery within the school, with shared learning and play built into its organisation.

The standard nursery intake is 16; it can rise to 24 if space and funding allow. Early years specialists lead the unit. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 25 and 26 February 2025. That judgement covers early years across the school, rather than Nursery alone.

Children's interests help determine the direction of play, while adults introduce activities and extend what children are learning. The balance matters: children can investigate an idea themselves, then receive support to take it further. Learning takes place outdoors as well as in the classroom, through practical activity and play.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects physical development, relationships and communication with early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. Here, the school aims to develop independence through exploration, perseverance and finding solutions. Adult involvement complements children's choices rather than making the whole session adult directed.

Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised provides the school's reading approach. Nursery children begin with foundations for phonics, and daily story time gives books a regular place in the day. These are early steps towards reading, rather than the formal phonics lessons taught later.

In February 2025, early years children had frequent opportunities for purposeful play. Activities developed sociability, curiosity and persistence, with communication and language receiving close attention. Learning followed a planned sequence that prepared children for their next stage. For parents, the emphasis is on learning through interaction and activity as well as acquiring early skills.

Families provide lunch and, when needed, nappies and wipes. Nursery children receive free milk each day. Bringing lunch is therefore part of planning an all-day place, alongside any personal care supplies a child needs.

The SEND coordinator can meet parents concerned about their child's development or ability to cope with school life. Support needs. In February 2025, the school identified SEND promptly and sought specialist advice, but teaching across the school did not consistently reflect children's support plans. This was a school-wide concern, not a nursery-specific finding. Families whose children need adaptations should discuss how these will work during nursery activities.

Attendance support. In February 2025, some pupils across the school missed important learning because they attended irregularly. Inspectors required support for pupils who needed help to attend regularly. This finding concerned the whole school rather than Nursery specifically; families facing attendance difficulties should discuss the support their child needs.

The safeguarding team includes the early years lead and a family liaison worker, giving parents routes for raising concerns. Staff can also answer questions at the beginning or end of the day.

Sharing the Foundation Unit means nursery children already learn and play with Reception children. This provides familiarity with the space and older peers. It does not secure a school place.

A separate Reception application must go through Derbyshire County Council. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January, and nursery attendance gives no admission priority. Families should make that application even if their child is already attending Nursery.

Morning sessions run from 8:30 to 11:30, afternoons from 12:00 to 15:00, and all-day attendance from 8:30 to 15:00. Funded provision covers 15 hours over 38 weeks, with 30 funded hours for eligible families. Additional hours can be paid for; contact the school for current charges. Routine nursery extras are not charged, although trips or visiting experiences may involve voluntary contributions.

Nursery enquiries and applications go directly to the school. Telephone 01246 234626 to register interest or arrange a visit. Children use the KS1 gate on Hunloke Avenue; late arrivals go through the main gate and follow the upper path to the nursery garden entrance. Collection is from the same entrance.