DSLV E-ACT Academy Nursery Review

Blossom painting and conversation about the seasons illustrated DSLV’s early years approach in April 2022: practical activity and conversation working together. The nursery sits within the all-through academy on Hawke Road in Daventry, giving children their first experience of the school before the separate move to Reception.

For 2026-2027, nursery provision covers children aged 3 to 4, with a published admission number of 52. Places can be divided into part-time attendance at the academy’s discretion; that number should not be read as a single session’s group size. Entry is from the September after a child turns 3. Ofsted judged the academy’s early years provision Good at its April 2022 inspection.

In April 2022, adult involvement gave the early years activities their educational purpose. In April 2022, staff joined children’s play and used planned activities to develop several skills together. Children were also encouraged to do things independently. For parents, the useful distinction is that play involves both adult interaction and opportunities to practise for themselves.

Fine brushes and blossom paintings provided one concrete example. Handling the brushes developed physical skills, while a conversation about seasonal changes supported language and understanding of the world. This illustrates the early years foundation stage in parent terms: an activity can develop movement, communication and knowledge together, rather than treating each as a separate lesson.

In April 2022, adults cared for the early years children and supported their learning through shared play. Starting arrangements for new primary EYFS children include home visits, a Meet the Teacher handout and gradual transition days. Extended transition is used where applicable, allowing the introduction to be adjusted for children who need additional support.

Special educational needs and disabilities support follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review: identify the need, agree support, put it into practice and check progress. Parents can request a meeting with the SEND coordinator. Across the academy, staff use CPOMS to record concerns, giving adults a shared system for raising safeguarding issues.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must submit a separate application through their home local authority, even when applying to continue at DSLV. For September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027.

Attendance at the nursery confers no Reception priority for that entry year. After children whose Education, Health and Care Plan names the school, oversubscription priorities cover children in care or previously in care, siblings, qualifying children of staff and distance. Familiarity with the academy and entitlement to a school place are separate questions.

Apply for nursery directly to the academy, which makes the formal offer. Part-time places may be split across the week at its discretion, so the allocation determines the attendance pattern.

Nursery enquiries and school tours can be arranged by calling 01327 313400. The academy is at Hawke Road, Daventry, NN11 4LJ; general enquiries can also go to DSLVEnquiries@E-ACT.org.uk.