Akaal Primary School Nursery Review

Songs, sound games and practical maths give Akaal’s nursery day its shape, with Forest School and yoga adding a different pace during the week. This is provision for children aged 2 to 4 at Akaal Primary School on Grange Avenue in Derby. Play provides the starting point for learning.

The nursery aims to develop kindness and confidence alongside early learning, with spiritual development forming part of its approach. For parents, that means considering its values as well as its childcare hours: relationships, feelings and a sense of connection are explicit parts of the curriculum.

Morning and afternoon sessions follow a similar sequence. A welcome circle uses singing and rhyme, followed by discussion of the weather and a visual plan of the session. That gives children a way to understand what comes next. Listening activities then introduce early phonics, with children aged 2 and 3 taught in separate groups so the activities match their stage of development.

A longer period of play follows, with opportunities to move between outside and indoor activities. Children’s interests help shape the learning alongside planned topics. Forest School, physical exercise, cooking and yoga feature in weekly sessions, bringing movement and practical exploration into the routine.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides the curriculum, alongside Development Matters. In everyday terms, children practise communicating, managing feelings and learning through play. Conversation, singing and stories develop language; sorting, counting and spotting patterns introduce mathematical ideas. Music, movement and art give children other ways to express themselves.

Practical maths comes towards the end of each session, before a quieter finish with shared books and songs. The rhythm moves from group activities into exploration and back to a shared ending. Children can try things for themselves while still having recognisable points in the day.

A nursery teacher works alongside assistant teachers. The nursery aims to make the move into childcare reassuring for children and parents, and keeps families involved through progress updates, meetings and newsletters. These provide opportunities to discuss how a child is settling and developing.

Lunch runs from noon to 12.30pm, with a hot vegetarian meal offered each day. Eating with other children makes this a social part of the routine. Breakfast provision includes food and time to play, while after-school care includes a small snack.

For additional needs, the school uses an Assess, Plan, Do and Review cycle. Support can involve adapting resources or the environment, followed by more targeted help and specialist advice where needed. Parents participate in discussions about next steps. The school also has an entrance intercom linked to video, providing a concrete security measure around access to the building.

Separate applications. Attending Akaal’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing nursery care and applying for a school place as separate decisions.

The Nursery Day runs from 9am to 3.30pm. Families can also choose a morning session from 9am to noon or an afternoon session from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The Full day option extends from 7.30am to 5.30pm, giving a longer childcare window.

The Nursery Day and Full day each include six funded hours; morning and afternoon sessions have funded or private payment options. Lunch and wraparound care carry additional charges. Refer to the school for current charges. Enquiries can be made through the nursery enquiry form, by emailing Enquiries.aps@nishkamschools.org or by calling 01332 499 011.