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Nursery at Shelton Infant 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A bridge, a hill and climbing frames give Shelton Infant School’s nursery an outdoor character of its own. The provision caters for three and four year olds and accommodates up to 26 children at once, with a qualified teacher and three teaching assistants forming the nursery team. It sits within Shelton Infant School in Shelton Lock, Derby.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at its May 2024 inspection. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Language gets deliberate attention here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum gives children opportunities to develop communication, physical skills and relationships alongside early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding their surroundings. Development Matters and Birth to Five Matters inform the approach. Communication and language receive extra emphasis because the school identifies these as an area of need among children joining.
Little Wandle’s Foundations for Phonics introduces nursery children to early sound work. In May 2024, inspectors found that nursery children practised combining spoken sounds into words each day. Rhyme of the Week and Story Chest add stories and rhymes to that preparation for reading. There is room for choosing, too: children pursue their own learning indoors and outside, with classroom role play connected to their topics.
The large nursery garden brings books, construction, miniature play and programmable toys alongside climbing equipment. Artificial grass and a soft outdoor surface support access across different weather conditions. Children can move between imaginative play and physical challenges rather than keeping learning at a table.
Creative projects extend that pattern. During Stories From Around The World, nursery children explored a USA-themed story through line dancing and making an oversized cactus and lizard. Singing forms part of the daily nursery routine, while instruments are available in indoor and outdoor play areas. These activities give children practical reasons to talk, listen, move and make things.
A qualified teacher works alongside three teaching assistants. Families can join Book & Biscuit sessions and Sharing our Learning events in the nursery, making participation more tangible than simply receiving updates. Newsletters now go through Class Dojo.
Personal, social and emotional learning includes help with recognising feelings, building friendships and handling disagreements. Adults also guide children towards managing their own personal needs. For children needing additional support, the school’s SEND pathway can involve classroom adjustments, individual staff support or outside specialists. A Multi-agency Education Plan explains the support and how families can help at home.
Food is included in the nursery’s wraparound clubs: breakfast in the morning and tea after school. The nursery offer gives sandwiches, wraps, crackers, salad and fruit as examples of tea. Children using the clubs therefore have eating time built into their extended day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application for Reception through the normal admissions route: Derby City Council. Nursery applications go directly to the school, so joining the nursery and applying for school are distinct steps.
Familiarity develops through shared experiences. Nursery children go into the large school hall for PE each week and join school performances and special assemblies. That gives them experience of the wider school before moving on, but does not secure admission.
The eligible 30-hour pattern runs Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm. For 15 hours, families have two patterns: Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon followed by Thursday and Friday. The Wednesday sessions run 9am to noon and noon to 3pm respectively.
Government-funded provision of 15 hours starts in the term following a child’s third birthday, subject to space. The 30-hour offer depends on eligibility. Wraparound care operates in term time and spans 8am to 6pm; parents can allocate some or all of their 30-hour entitlement to it, or pay for it. A charged collection extension to 3:25pm lets nursery families align collection with the school day. Contact the school for current charges.
To arrange a nursery visit or apply, contact the school on 01332 700353 or email admin@sheltoni.derby.sch.uk.
The nursery offer covers three and four year olds. Funded 15-hour provision begins in the term after the third birthday, subject to availability.
Eligible children can attend Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, for 30 hours. The 15-hour patterns combine Monday and Tuesday with Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon with Thursday and Friday.
Yes. Nursery children can attend the breakfast and after-school clubs in term time. The nursery offer describes wraparound provision from 8am to 6pm, with breakfast and tea included in the respective clubs.
No. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate. Apply directly to the school for nursery and through Derby City Council for Reception.
Book & Biscuit sessions and Sharing our Learning mornings and afternoons give families opportunities to learn and play with their children. Newsletters are distributed through Class Dojo.
