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Nursery at Arboretum Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Messy play, stories and spoken language give Arboretum’s nursery its character. Provision starts at two, with a further nursery for three and four year olds within the school’s Early Years area. For that older group, up to 30 children can attend either session. The emphasis is on learning through activity, with adults guiding some experiences and children choosing others.
In July 2024, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Adults’ interactions with young children were caring and directed towards learning, and early years children behaved well.
Play combines exploration with purposeful teaching. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven learning areas: communication, physical skills and personal development alongside literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, that means early learning extends beyond letters and numbers to how children communicate, move and relate to others.
Activities include music, storytelling, messy sensory play and exploration outdoors, alongside early writing and number work. Children make choices during some activities; at other times, an adult leads. The school aims to develop concentration and persistence as well as curiosity, giving children opportunities to try an idea and keep working at it.
Little Wandle begins in nursery with speaking and listening. A daily story adds another opportunity to hear language used aloud. Spoken English also receives deliberate attention from nursery onwards: adults model language, while the school uses pictures and opportunities to practise speaking to support understanding. These are practical ways to help children participate when English is an additional language.
Communication with families includes Class Dojo messages that parents can translate, translated letters and text messages. At the school’s initial induction meeting, parents receive a tour, with translation support where possible, and information about everyday routines. This gives families a starting point for understanding school life.
Support for additional needs has a direct contact route through the SENCo, via the school office or senco@arboretum.derby.sch.uk. The school aims to identify needs early and work with other agencies. It also distinguishes learning English from having special educational needs, so language development is considered separately when investigating a child’s difficulties.
Campbell is a specialist provision within Arboretum for children in early years and Key Stage One who have substantial communication and personal needs. Its work includes life skills, communication and making choices independently.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two decisions: attending here does not remove that second application.
Two year olds attend either 8:30–11:30am or 12:30–3:30pm, with 15 hours each week across 38 weeks. Places require Flying Start eligibility, with funding applications made through Derby City Council; Take Off funding for working parents is excluded. For three and four year olds, the offer is funded 15-hour morning or afternoon places.
Nursery children wear uniform: a black cardigan or sweatshirt, a white shirt or polo, black trousers, skirt or shalwar kameez, and sensible black shoes. Plain alternatives to branded tops are permitted. Label clothing.
For nursery enquiries, contact admin@arboretum.derby.sch.uk or 01332 291140. The main entrance is on Corden Street; this matters because satellite navigation can direct families to Cambridge Street.
There is provision for two year olds and a nursery for children aged three and four.
Morning sessions run from 8:30 to 11:30am; afternoon sessions run from 12:30 to 3:30pm. The offer is 15 hours weekly over 38 weeks.
Children must qualify for Flying Start funding through Derby City Council. The nursery does not accept Take Off funding for working parents.
No. Families must apply separately through the local authority for a school place.
Yes. Nursery children follow the school dress code, including black and white clothing and sensible black shoes. Tops can be plain or carry the Arboretum logo.
