Alvaston Infant and Nursery School Nursery Review

A toothbrush of their own and Forest School alongside early learning: Alvaston’s nursery puts practical childhood experiences into the school day. Children learn to care for their teeth from the nursery classes, while Forest School provision extends to all children. These are concrete ways to connect learning with everyday habits and the outdoors.

The nursery belongs to Alvaston Infant and Nursery School on Elvaston Lane in Derby and has 52 spaces. An Assistant Head also holds the Head of Nursery role, giving the provision its own leadership within the wider school team.

Birth to Five Matters and Development Matters inform the school’s curriculum. Its early years foundation stage (EYFS) work includes physical development and creative expression: learning here involves movement, listening and making, alongside early mathematical ideas.

Music gives a specific picture of that approach. Early years learning includes responding to songs and rhymes, developing stories through play and choosing materials to make or change a creation. Children are encouraged to explore ideas alongside others. This connects expression with listening and cooperation, rather than treating music simply as singing time.

Physical learning has a named framework too. RealPE informs the curriculum maps from nursery onwards, with teachers adjusting lessons to their class’s interests and needs. Outdoor play equipment provides opportunities to practise coordination and larger movements. Forest School adds experiences led by children in a natural setting, with independence and decisions about risk among its aims.

In April 2023, Ofsted found that early years children concentrated on number and shape and made a positive start in mathematics. That finding concerns early years across the school, rather than a separate nursery judgement.

Care includes learning a daily health habit. Nursery children receive toothpaste and their own toothbrush, with teaching on how to brush properly. This makes dental care something children practise, rather than only hear about.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), preparation can begin before attendance. An initial family meeting can be requested by parents, carers or the previous setting to discuss concerns and support needs. The school’s SEND transition arrangements include visits before starting, contact with the previous setting and, where needed, a photograph book introducing staff and school spaces. A one-page profile passes useful information to the adults supporting the child.

Support is organised around individual needs. The school assesses, plans, provides support and reviews it, involving external agencies when required. Parents can contact the SEND team through the office or private Class Dojo messages. The single-storey building and wheelchair-accessible toilet are practical features for families considering physical access.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process. For children living in Derby, the route is Derby City Council. The stated deadline of 15 January 2026 belonged to September 2026 entry and is now past.

Transition support is a separate matter from allocation. For children with SEND moving between year groups, the school provides a transition day and can update the photograph book for use during the holidays. Family discussions and a one-page profile help the next team understand what supports the child.

To join the nursery waiting list, complete the online form. The administration team then contacts families about availability when a place can be offered.

General enquiries go to admin@alvastoni.derby.sch.uk or 01332 571704. Pedestrian access is through a gate; entry to the school car park uses a security gate and office buzzer. These access arrangements are useful when planning journeys with a child or mobility equipment.