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Nursery at Borrow Wood 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Outdoor play continues through rain at Borrow Wood, giving its nursery a practical, active character. Children use a soft-surfaced Foundation Stage play space that connects indoor and outdoor learning. Weather-ready clothing matters here.
The nursery forms Foundation Stage 1 within Borrow Wood Primary School in Spondon, Derby, with options beginning when children turn three. There are 26 morning places and 26 afternoon places; these are session capacities, rather than a total number of individual children. Cherry class has a lead practitioner within the early years team. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good following its inspection on 25 and 26 April 2023.
Three-hour sessions provide the basic rhythm, with mornings and afternoons available alongside patterns spread across two and a half days. Learning follows Development Matters within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). For parents, that means attention to talking, movement and emotional development alongside early literacy, number work, creativity and understanding the world.
Play drives the approach. The Foundation Stage approach aims to shape planning around observations of children's interests and abilities, while children explore ideas through activities involving people and materials. Outdoor learning has equal standing with indoor learning. Children go outside daily except in extremely poor weather, including when it rains, so the outdoor space is part of ordinary learning rather than an occasional extra.
In April 2023, early years activities helped children become more independent, with adults providing effective guidance and establishing routines promptly. Language development received close attention. Children practised early reading and writing and learnt to cooperate; visitors introduced occupations including science and police drone work. These experiences gave children concrete subjects to talk about and opportunities to work alongside others.
Curriculum consistency. The same inspection required more consistent curriculum delivery across the school because implementation varied in some subjects. This was a school-wide concern, alongside positive findings about early years, and is a useful topic for discussion when visiting.
Relationships with a key worker are part of the Foundation Stage approach, giving children and parents a familiar connection with the team. Progress and achievements are shared regularly with families. Before starting nursery, parents attend a Foundation Stage 1 Welcome Meeting, with a visit, start date and information about joining the class offered together. That creates an opportunity to prepare for the first sessions.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school's support process brings parents, the class teacher and SENCo together to consider strengths, difficulties and additional help. Support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle, so arrangements can be reconsidered with families. The Silver Birch Hub also provides a place for parents to discuss worries.
School meals are cooked on site in the school's kitchen, using ingredients supplied by local companies. This describes the school's catering arrangement rather than a nursery lunch booking model.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Derby City Council's normal admissions process. Applications can be made online through the council or using a common application form; the application window runs between November and January for entry the following September. Apply by the normal deadline, as late applications are considered after those submitted on time.
Summer-term parent meetings and transition visits help prepare children for starting school. For children with SEND who find changes difficult, additional visits, visual transition booklets and staff handovers are among the school's transition arrangements. These support familiarity and continuity of care; they do not secure admission.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am, and afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Families can choose five mornings, five afternoons, or 15 hours across the beginning or end of the week. Places for the two-and-a-half-day patterns are limited. Provision covering 30 hours is also offered.
Morning drop-off is at the double yellow nursery doors; afternoon children arrive at the front Early Years play area. Collection is from the yellow door at the end of either session. Contact the school administration team on 01332 662826 or admin@borrowwood.odysseyct.org.uk for nursery enquiries and an application form.
Foundation Stage curriculum activities carry no charge, while some extracurricular activities may involve charges. Refer to the school for current charges.
Nursery options begin when children reach three. Names can be added to the nursery admissions list from eighteen months old.
Mornings run from 8.45am to 11.45am, and afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Two-and-a-half-day patterns and 30-hour provision are also offered.
Yes. Outdoor learning takes place daily unless weather conditions are extremely poor, including in rain. Send clothing appropriate to the weather.
No. Families must apply separately through Derby City Council's normal Reception admissions process.
Contact the school administration team on 01332 662826 or admin@borrowwood.odysseyct.org.uk. The school office supplies nursery application forms.
