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Nursery at Derby High 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Caterpillars becoming butterflies, clay taking shape and children experimenting with water give the Wrens their character. Derby High School’s nursery combines these practical discoveries with early work on sounds and letters. There is room for imaginative play too.
The Pre-School welcomes boys and girls aged 3 to 4, with entry from the term following their third birthday. Its Wrens class occupies a purpose-built Infant School building. A qualified teacher leads the provision, supported by classroom assistants, so the team brings both teaching and practical classroom support to children’s first school experiences.
Learning starts with things children can handle, change and investigate. Painting and clay modelling sit alongside dressing up and pretend play; outdoors, climbing apparatus and equipment for water and sand give children different ways to explore. Watching caterpillars become butterflies adds a concrete introduction to change in the natural world. These are experiences a young child can talk about, rather than simply watch.
An emergency services day gives early-years children a connection with people who help others. The January 2026 inspection recorded that this had prompted fundraising for the air ambulance. Children also explore different jobs, extending their learning to the work people do around them.
Children explore language, number, movement and relationships through practical activities. Children begin phonics and practise forming letters. In January 2026, early-years teaching used rhyme to introduce language and objects to explore number, giving children something tangible to connect with words and mathematical ideas. Activities allowed children to work at a pace that suited them, supporting understanding and confidence together.
ISI’s inspection of 20 to 22 January 2026 found that early-years provision supported children’s learning and development effectively. Its examples included jigsaws, playdough and colouring club. Structured PE involved cycling, climbing and play to develop larger movements. The inspection also called for more systematic progression in PE across the school; that recommendation concerned the wider programme rather than a separate nursery judgement.
Sharing, taking turns and choosing activities are part of the early-years experience. Children also learn about personal boundaries and considerate treatment of others. That gives social learning a practical place in play, while choosing an activity provides opportunities to exercise independence.
Parents receive progress reports and digital pictures of children’s work, connecting home conversations with what children have been doing. In January 2026, an appropriate number of staff were trained to give first aid. Training for staff working with early-years children included paediatric skills, providing a relevant response to medical needs at this age.
Meals are included in school fees. The Refectory serves the whole school, with catering supplied by Lodestone House. Families with a child who needs a medical diet can discuss requirements with the Catering Manager, making that conversation part of planning for meals.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm with Admissions which Reception application steps apply to children already attending the Wrens.
For Reception entry, the school’s process includes an individual meeting with an early-years specialist teacher, considering personal, emotional and social development alongside readiness for learning. The Admissions team is the contact for this route. Familiarity with the Wrens should therefore be kept separate from the question of securing a place.
Full-time and part-time places give families a choice of attendance pattern. Early Years Funding can reduce Pre-School fees, and funded places are offered in the unit. Contact the school for current charges.
To enquire or arrange a tour, use the admissions form, email admissions@derbyhigh.derby.sch.uk or call 01332 514267. Tours require advance booking.
Derby High Little Learners Club offers another introduction to the team: children aged 2 to 4 attend with parents for Stay and Play on Fridays during term time, from 9am to 10:30am. Music, stories and activity-based learning make this a shared experience before nursery entry, rather than a nursery attendance session.
The Pre-School takes boys and girls aged 3 to 4, starting from the term after their third birthday.
Activities include pretend play, painting, clay modelling, initial phonics and letter formation. Outdoor equipment supports climbing, sand play and water play.
Yes. Both attendance patterns are offered, and Early Years Funding can reduce fees.
No. Ask Admissions which application steps apply to existing Wrens children. The school’s published Reception entry process includes an individual assessment with an early-years specialist teacher.
Book a tour through Admissions, or attend Derby High Little Learners Club with your child. Its term-time Friday Stay and Play sessions run from 9am to 10:30am for ages 2 to 4.
