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Nursery at Lakeside Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Talking, friendships and growing independence give Lakeside’s nursery its focus. Children aged three and four attend this school nursery in Alvaston, Derby, with a choice of shorter sessions or a longer day for families using a qualifying funding code. It forms part of Lakeside Primary Academy and The Harmony Trust.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following the inspection on 1 and 2 July 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Learning in early years was effective because activities had a clear purpose.
The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, gives learning its structure. Communication, physical development and children’s social and emotional development receive particular attention. For parents, that means learning to express an idea, build relationships and develop independence matters alongside early literacy and maths.
Learning also covers understanding the world and creative expression. Planning responds to what interests the children, rather than treating their development as a fixed timetable. Nursery Rhymes is one nursery topic, giving families a concrete example of the themes used. Across Lakeside, the Harmony Model Curriculum is personalised through the school’s ASPIRE ethos.
Early years teaching in July 2025 linked activities closely to what children needed to learn. Children also practised listening, sharing resources and being considerate friends. These are useful foundations for taking part in a group.
Support for learning at home includes Numberblocks season 1 for counting and recognising numbers up to five, BBC tiny happy people for communication, and Phonics play phase 1 games for listening and distinguishing sounds. These give parents specific ways to continue learning beyond a session.
SeeSaw gives parents access to their child’s learning journey. Staff record observations across the year and use their understanding of each child to plan the next steps in learning. This gives families a way to follow development beyond the activities a child remembers to mention at home.
Toileting readiness. Children must be toilet trained before attending, including recognising the need to go, wiping and washing their hands independently. Where diagnosed special educational needs affect toilet training, families must supply formal documentation; a personalised care plan is then developed with parents and relevant professionals. This is an important practical consideration before starting.
A snack is provided each day. Hot meals are available where offered and require advance booking and payment through ParentPay; snack contributions are voluntary where applicable. The school has a special educational needs coordinator, and families can contact the SEND team at SEND@lakeside.theharmonytrust.org. Safeguarding concerns can be raised with the designated lead or a deputy, or by emailing safeguarding@lakeside.theharmonytrust.org.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Lakeside. Every family must make a separate application through Derby City Council, including families already using the nursery. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as two separate decisions, and apply through the normal council process by its deadline.
Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am, with afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The day for children using a 30-hour funding code runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Nursery contracts cover 15 or 30 hours, so the shorter sessions and longer day serve different family routines.
Universal funding provides 15 hours each week for three- and four-year-olds; eligible working families can access up to 30. Funding applies during term time and begins in the term following the third birthday. Families using the working-parent entitlement must keep their code valid and reconfirm it regularly; an unconfirmed entitlement means the academy cannot retain the place.
Additional hours beyond the 15-hour entitlement attract charges. Contact the school for current charges. Fees are not refunded for sessions missed through illness or leave.
Nursery enquiries and applications go through the academy office. A Nursery Waiting Form can be collected there, and entry is possible in September, January or April, subject to space, from the term following a child’s third birthday. To arrange a visit, call 01332 571485.
Children are aged three and four. Entry is from the term after their third birthday, subject to available space, with September, January and April intakes.
Morning sessions are 8:30am to 11:30am and afternoons are 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Children using a 30-hour funding code can attend from 8:30am to 3:30pm.
No. Families must apply separately to Derby City Council for Reception, even if their child attends Lakeside Nursery.
Yes, including independent wiping and handwashing. Where diagnosed special educational needs affect toileting, formal documentation is required so a personalised care plan can be developed with the family and relevant professionals.
Parents and carers can access learning journeys through SeeSaw, where observations are recorded throughout the year.
