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Nursery at Walter Evans Church of England Aided 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Seasonal change, rhymes and animals give Walter Evans nursery its own learning rhythm. Topics move from Autumn leaves falling to Once upon a rhyme and Quack,Moo, Neigh!, providing recognisable starting points for young children’s learning.
This is the nursery class within Walter Evans Church of England Aided Primary School in Darley Abbey, Derby. There is one nursery class, with a teacher and a teaching assistant. Families can register an interest when their child turns two; enquiries for children already aged three go directly to the school. Registration at two is an expression of interest, rather than an entry age.
The school describes Christian faith and love for others as the foundation of its vision. That gives families a clear sense of the wider school’s character.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together children’s language, movement, creativity, understanding of their surroundings and personal development. Here, the school aims to develop independence and confidence alongside knowledge and communication. Learning is about more than preparing for formal lessons.
Nursery topics include Who am I? and Let it grow. Personal, social and emotional development features in the opening topic, while later themes emphasise understanding the world. Once upon a rhyme brings a literacy focus. These themes give learning a sequence across the year, with different areas connected through a common topic.
Early reading has a named approach: Little Wandle, supported by Big Cat Phonics books. Children in the EYFS have a daily phonics lesson lasting 25-30 minutes. The focus is on building skills for reading and spelling, giving language learning a regular place in the day.
The nursery team includes a trained paediatric first aider. The nursery teacher also holds a deputy designated safeguarding lead role, linking the class team with the school’s safeguarding structure.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, the school considers individual needs when choosing support and interventions. Parents can contact the SEND coordinator at SENDCO@walterevans.derby.sch.uk. The school’s Early Help offer also aims to connect families with support for emerging needs, including mental health and wellbeing.
Lunch is a practical option for nursery children. Meals are cooked on site by Derbyshire County Council School Meals Service, and the nursery lunch charge covers both the meal and midday supervision. Payment goes through Scopay. This is an additional cost to consider when planning attendance; contact the school for current charges.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Derby City Council, following the deadline for their child’s entry year. For the September 2026 intake, the online application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed.
Treat the nursery decision and the Reception application as separate tasks. Choosing the nursery should rest on the provision itself, with the later school application handled through the normal admissions route.
Uniform is optional in nursery. Small sweatshirts, cardigans and polo shirts are available for families who want them, but children can attend in their own clothes.
Wraparound care includes nursery children in an Early Years club based across the Early Years classrooms. Outdoor play resources are also accessible to the club. Breakfast sessions begin at 7:30am, and after-school sessions end at 6pm, extending the practical options around nursery attendance. Club staff have paediatric first-aid qualifications, food-hygiene training and DBS checks.
One-off club bookings can be requested at oosc@walterevans.derby.sch.uk; wait for confirmation because extra children cannot always be accommodated. For nursery enquiries, call 01332 557139. Children aged two can be registered through the Nursery Expression of Interest Form.
No. A separate application must be made through Derby City Council for Reception.
Yes. Families can register an interest from age two using the Nursery Expression of Interest Form. For a child already aged three, call 01332 557139.
No. Nursery uniform is optional, with small cardigans, sweatshirts and polo shirts available for families who want them.
Yes. Nursery lunches are charged, with the charge covering the meal and midday supervision. Payment is through Scopay; contact the school for current charges.
Yes. The Early Years club includes nursery children. Breakfast sessions start at 7:30am and after-school sessions finish at 6pm. One-off requests need confirmation.
