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Nursery at Ivy Lane 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An outdoor area of its own, access to the Reception garden and teacher-led learning give Sunflowers a clear school nursery character. Children can pursue their interests indoors and outside, with adults planning activities alongside the play children choose themselves.
Sunflowers takes children aged 3 and 4 and forms part of Ivy Lane Primary School’s EYFS setting in Chippenham. Its indoor and outdoor learning spaces sit within a new building. This is term-time provision, with morning and afternoon sessions rather than bookings for part of a session.
Ofsted’s March 2026 inspection assessed the school’s early years provision at Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Teacher-led learning combines planned activities with children’s own ideas. Adults help children develop those interests, so choosing what to play with is also an opportunity to practise language, explore a problem or learn a new skill. The nursery’s own outdoor area and access to the Reception garden provide space for that learning beyond the classroom.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early literacy, maths, creative work and discovering how the world works. Ivy Lane’s approach includes exploration and play, with adults helping children extend their thinking. Observations, individual activities and children’s work help staff decide what to introduce next.
Daily stories give books a regular place in early years learning. Creative activities include experimenting with materials and tools, while songs, dance and music let children express their ideas in other ways. These are practical routes into learning, rather than a day built entirely around sitting and listening.
In March 2026, early years children used the mud kitchen and space hoppers, and imaginative activities included making potions. There was also a clear teaching concern: adults sometimes missed chances to deepen learning during children’s chosen activities, and their questions did not consistently develop children’s understanding. Improving these interactions, especially to extend language, was an early years improvement priority.
Established routines helped early years children settle and feel secure in March 2026. Staff relationships supported growing independence, while work with parents and the exchange of detailed information helped tackle gaps in learning. Children’s needs were assessed early and monitored so that support could be arranged.
Snack and story time were combined, giving children opportunities to practise manners and social skills while enjoying books. Sunflowers can provide snacks and a hot school meal, bringing food into the nursery day as well as learning.
For children with SEND, the school aims to adapt learning to individual needs and enable access to the EYFS curriculum. Parent involvement can include review meetings, My Support Plan meetings and home-school liaison books. These give families several ways to contribute to discussions about their child’s support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Ivy Lane manages Reception admissions, but applications go through Wiltshire Council’s online schools admissions route.
Familiarity is a separate benefit. In March 2026, nursery children were getting to know the Reception classroom environment early, helping the eventual move feel less unfamiliar. Access to the Reception garden also connects nursery children with that part of the school, without securing an admission place.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 12.15pm; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 4.00pm. Each lasts 3¾ hours. A whole day combines the sessions into 7½ hours, and part sessions are not accepted.
Government funded hours can be used entirely at Sunflowers or shared with another setting. Funding must cover complete sessions. Arrangements for using funded hours, whether entirely at Sunflowers or shared with another setting, must be made before the relevant funding window begins. A consumables charge applies to sessions using funding, and hot lunches are charged separately. Refer to the school for current charges.
To join the interest list, email a completed enquiry form to nursery@ivylane.wilts.sch.uk. Families are then contacted about available tours; the nursery also supplies the form by email on request.
Sunflowers takes children aged 3 and 4.
Morning sessions are 8.30am to 12.15pm, and afternoon sessions are 12.15pm to 4.00pm. The nursery opens during term time and does not accept part sessions.
Yes. Government funded hours can be used at Sunflowers or shared with another setting, provided they cover complete sessions. A consumables charge applies when using funding.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Wiltshire Council’s online schools admissions route. Nursery children becoming familiar with Reception is transition support, not a guarantee of admission.
Email your completed enquiry form to nursery@ivylane.wilts.sch.uk to join the interest list and receive details of available tours. You can request the form at the same email address.
