The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Hardwick 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Rhymes, songs and stories give Hardwick’s early years provision a clear language focus. The nursery is the school’s Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) provision, with 30 full-time-equivalent FS1 children on roll in 2026. Foundation Stage occupies the ground floor of the school building on Dover Street in Derby, alongside a sensory room and a hall.
At the Ofsted inspection on 25 and 26 February 2025, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Language is a substantial part of early learning here. In February 2025, children encountered stories, rhymes and songs frequently, building their interest in words. This gives families a concrete picture of learning through listening and speaking, rather than an emphasis solely on formal tasks.
The early years curriculum also supports physical development, emotions and social skills. In February 2025, children showed curiosity, confidence and independence, with learning activities and resources supporting those aspects of development. Speaking & Listening Groups are among the interventions used in Foundation Stage, providing a more focused option for children who need help with communication.
R Time starts in Nursery and connects personal, social and health education with the school’s CARE themes. Social learning therefore has a named programme alongside language work.
Routines and expectations. In February 2025, adults did not apply routines consistently or make expectations sufficiently clear. Some children disengaged, learning time was lost and their behaviour affected others. Consistency in helping children work together was an explicit improvement priority, a significant consideration for families whose children benefit from predictable routines.
Settling begins before admission. Children are invited to Stay and Play sessions, while parents are invited to Welcome Meetings. These give families opportunities to become familiar with the setting before the nursery start date. For children with SEND, staff also exchange information with professionals from previous settings and arrange observations before they join.
Support involves the class teacher, SENCo and pastoral staff. The Rainbow Team provides pastoral support that can include nurture groups or direct work on social and emotional needs. Parents are invited to help set and review SEND targets through Multi Element Plans, reviewed at least three times a year. This creates repeated opportunities to discuss whether support needs adjusting.
Physical access is also addressed: the building is accessible to children with physical disabilities, with accessible toilets on both floors. Movable Soundfield Systems can be placed in relevant classrooms to support children with hearing impairments.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Derby City Council and meet the normal application deadline.
Preparation for a new class is a separate matter. Summer-term transition days give children and staff time to get acquainted before autumn, and information passes to the next teacher. For children with SEND, that handover helps preserve knowledge of their needs and support arrangements; it does not secure admission.
Foundation children use the Dover Street entrance for both entry and collection. This places the nursery’s practical access point on the same street as the school office. Nursery enquiries can go to the office on 01332 272249; SEND concerns can be discussed with the SENCo at senco@hardwick.derby.sch.uk.
Foundation Stage 1 had 30 full-time-equivalent children on roll in 2026.
Children are invited to Stay and Play sessions, and parents to Welcome Meetings before admission.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through Derby City Council by the normal deadline.
Early years provision was graded Good in February 2025. Language experiences and children’s development were positive features, but routines and adult expectations needed greater consistency.
Foundation children enter and are collected through the Dover Street entrance.
