Bishop Lonsdale Church of England Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Play with a purpose shapes the early years at Bishop Lonsdale: children explore independently and together, while adults build opportunities to think, create and tackle challenges into their learning. The nursery belongs to the Church of England primary school on St Albans Road in Derby. Its class teacher also holds the school's inclusion manager role, connecting nursery teaching with responsibility for additional needs.

In May 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas of learning. Here, that means developing movement and coordination, relationships and emotional understanding, and speaking and listening alongside early mathematics and literacy. Creative expression and discovering how the world works complete the picture. Activities allow children to explore ideas through play, both on their own and with others.

In May 2026, exchanges with adults generally helped children build their language and vocabulary. For families, the useful combination was activities adjusted to children's needs, including lower starting points, and chances to practise developing skills. Familiar routines also helped children change activities confidently and use their learning time well.

Early writing starts with physical preparation. Children undertake activities that develop the muscular control needed to write, and take borrow bags home to practise further with their families. This gives parents a practical way to join in. Reading and writing receive deliberate attention, while the curriculum retains opportunities for exploration, creativity and shared play.

Relationships provide continuity between home and early years. In May 2026, staff had developed affectionate, constructive connections with children and families, and children made good progress from their individual starting points. Adjustments to learning activities helped children with different needs participate and learn.

For developmental concerns, parents can speak with the class teacher or contact the special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) through the office or at senco@bishoplonsdale.derby.sch.uk. The school's response includes discussion with parents, observation of the child and closer consideration of their needs before adding provision where necessary. That gives families a route into a conversation about support.

Each class has a Sensory Area Bear. Across the school, emotional support also includes trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants, who plan individual or small-group work with teachers around needs such as anxiety, friendship difficulties and low confidence.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Derby City Council administers and allocates school places against the school's admission criteria. For this route, contact council admissions on 01332 642728 or 642725. Keep that application separate from choosing nursery provision.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01332 344795 or email admin@bishoplonsdale.derby.sch.uk. The school is on St Albans Road, Derby, DE22 3HH.