Reynolds Primary Academy Nursery Review

Story actions, songs and hands-on sorting give Reynolds Primary Academy’s nursery its character: children learn by joining in and trying ideas for themselves. The nursery forms part of the academy at Machray Place, Cleethorpes. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good following the inspection on 24 and 25 September 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school.

Play has a clear learning purpose here. In September 2024, nursery children joined actions to We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, while songs, poetry and rhymes helped develop vocabulary. Children sustained their attention during play and showed curiosity and independence. For parents, the useful distinction is that enjoyment and learning were happening together.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) combines opportunities to explore with teaching that introduces ideas in different ways. One September 2024 activity involved children grouping materials by whether they were soft or hard, then choosing their own categories for other objects. This gives children practice both following an idea and making decisions independently.

Maths happens daily in early years, with further opportunities during freely accessible activities. White Rose Mastery Maths is the academy’s named approach. Art materials remain accessible throughout early years provision, giving children opportunities to express their ideas rather than waiting for a scheduled art lesson. Exploring nature and the surrounding environment also forms part of these ongoing activities.

Settling starts at home. Nursery staff visit children and their parents or carers before the children join, followed by a stay-and-play session and an introductory meeting for parents. That sequence gives staff and families an opportunity to meet before regular attendance begins.

For children needing additional support, the academy uses an assess, plan, do and review cycle. Pupil Passports record individual targets, with progress updates shared each term. Parents participate in discussions with teaching staff and the SENDCo, giving them a role in decisions about support.

Speech and Language Therapy, health visitors and Lincolnshire Psychology Service are among the academy’s support partners. Parental permission is sought before outside agencies work with a child, and families then meet staff to discuss the advice. The school also has a sensory room, a concrete resource within its wider wellbeing provision.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. For September 2026 entry, applications went through the child’s home local authority, with North East Lincolnshire Council coordinating locally.

For 2027–2028, nursery attendance carries fourth priority in the oversubscription order, following looked-after and previously looked-after children, siblings and catchment residents. Children whose EHCP names the academy are admitted before those criteria apply. To qualify for nursery priority, a child must attend Reynolds Nursery when the application is made. Priority remains different from a guaranteed offer.

Transition support is a separate matter. Children with additional needs, or those new to the setting, may start with a reduced timetable that increases as soon as possible, allowing relationships and initial assessments to develop.

Half-day and full-day nursery sessions are offered. Funded places follow Early Years Education Entitlement requirements and applicable local conditions. Contact enquiries@reynoldsacademy.co.uk or 01472 691797 to obtain the nursery application form, and contact the academy for current charges.

Before attendance begins, parents complete a Student Information Form and agree to the academy’s policies. Fees are payable a calendar month ahead, on the first day of the month. Families ending their child’s place must give four weeks’ notice, so changes to childcare plans need some advance organisation.