Queen Mary Avenue Infant School Nursery Review

Hatching chicks, a visiting fire engine and goats at Nunnie's farm give Queen Mary Avenue's nursery learning a distinctly practical flavour. These are experiences children can talk about, investigate and connect with their own lives. The nursery forms part of Queen Mary Avenue Infant School in Cleethorpes, with early learning shaped around exploration, language and growing independence.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 2 and 3 July 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Learning combines activities guided by adults with play children initiate themselves. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the maths approach includes practical experiences and resources children can use independently. This gives children something tangible to work with as they explore mathematical ideas, rather than relying solely on adult explanation.

Language has a clear place in that learning. In July 2024, children examined plants with magnifying glasses while adults helped them describe roots, petals and stems. Looking closely and finding the words to explain an observation happened together. Early years teaching also supported children's conversations and interactions, helping them feel more confident speaking with other children.

Classrooms and outdoor learning areas provide space for exploration. Music is woven into early years activities: children practise rhymes and songs, make music during everyday play and explore instruments and body percussion. There are opportunities to perform together as well as experiment with sounds. Writing opportunities also form part of the activities and resources children can choose, making early writing part of their play.

The nursery's named experiences add concrete subject matter. Baking fairy cakes, tasting fruit and making healthy porridge bring food into learning; a pyjama party with family photographs connects activities with home. At Nunnie's farm, children can walk with goats and feed them. Topic learning finishes with a showcase afternoon where families are invited to see children share their work and learning.

Parents can follow some of their child's learning through Evidence Me. Staff assess children through continuing observation, with selected observations shared online. This gives families examples to discuss with their child and a starting point for conversations with the class teacher.

For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school describes an approach that combines adjustments, collaboration with families and other professionals, and support matched to the child. Its aims include developing communication and helping children understand their feelings. The first contact for a concern about an unidentified special educational need is the class teacher; further discussion with the SEND coordinator can be arranged through the office.

Adult interaction matters here, too. The July 2024 early years findings described staff demonstrating how to talk and interact, supporting children's confidence with their peers. That is a practical part of learning to join in, explain an idea and share something they have made.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the normal deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

For SEND appointments, contact the school office on 01472 230230 or email admin@qma.nelcmail.co.uk. Safeguarding concerns also go through the office, which connects families with the appropriate member of staff.