Homefields Primary School Nursery

Independence gives Homefields’ early years provision its character: in November 2023, children understood their routines and took part in activities designed to help them do more for themselves. This is the nursery at Homefields Primary School on Parkway in Chellaston, Derby, with capacity for 26 full-time or 52 part-time nursery places.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 29 and 30 November 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

At Homefields, the school aims to develop knowledge and skills alongside attitudes to learning. Its five attitudes are responsibility, reflection, resilience, resourcefulness and reciprocity: the emphasis is on how children approach learning as well as what they learn.

In November 2023, early years children were happy, familiar with classroom routines and supported by carefully organised activities that developed independence. For a parent, the useful distinction is that routines and opportunities to act independently sit alongside planned learning.

Curriculum connections. In November 2023, links between early years learning and later subjects needed further development. Curriculum plans required refinement so that learning connected more clearly across the school. This matters for families looking beyond the nursery session to how their child’s learning will build over time.

For concerns about learning or wellbeing, the class teacher is the first contact, with the special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) involved in planning additional help. SEND support uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review. Children receiving this support have a Target Plan reviewed three times per year, with parents involved in agreeing and reviewing targets. That gives families regular opportunities to discuss whether support needs adjusting.

At the November 2023 inspection, a school-wide concern was that teachers did not consistently use information about pupils’ SEND or tailor lessons precisely enough to their needs. Families seeking additional support should discuss how their child’s needs will shape nursery activities.

Speech and language sessions, help with emotional regulation and social skills, and individual or small-group support may be used according to need. Possible adjustments include visual timetables, sensory breaks and adapted resources; these are options rather than a fixed package for every child.

The school building is single-storey, with step-free access throughout. A sensory room is available to all pupils, and there are two accessible toilets, including one with a ceiling hoist. These physical features matter for children who need accessible care facilities or a sensory space.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority at Homefields. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. Derby residents can use derby.gov.uk/primary; for September 2026 entry, the deadline was 15 January 2026. That admissions cycle is past.

Transition support is a separate matter. For pupils with SEND, class changes include sharing information between teachers and meeting the next teacher and classroom. Enhanced transition arrangements may be provided where appropriate. Familiarity helps preparation, but does not alter admission rights.

The nursery’s capacity includes both full-time and part-time places. For school enquiries, telephone 01332 691351. Families with SEND concerns can also contact senco@Homefields.derby.sch.uk to discuss their child’s needs with the SENCo.