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Nursery at Dereham Church of England Infant and Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A tuff tray town, a pretend vets and butterflies released into the garden give this nursery a character rooted in real things. Children have recreated familiar Dereham buildings, met classmates’ pets and watched caterpillars change. These experiences give them something concrete to talk about, investigate and represent through play.
The nursery belongs to Dereham Church of England Infant and Nursery Academy on St Withburga Lane. Its early reading programme is Super Sounds, with learning extending into stories, practical experiences and family activities.
Super Sounds is a pre-phonics programme intended to develop early reading skills. It gives the nursery a named starting point for learning before formal phonics. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), speaking, listening and fine motor work are also part of the learning described here: communication and the physical skills involved in writing receive specific attention.
An Autumn 2 speaking and listening focus included repeated stories, daily songs and nursery rhymes, and Talk Box activities. Games included Simon Says, Guess Who and I-Spy. Children also questioned two mystery visitors per week during that focus, giving conversation a purpose beyond answering an adult’s classroom question.
Practical nursery learning has included turning photographs of local shops and buildings into a miniature town in the tuff tray. The role play area became a vets during work on pets, with visits from animals belonging to class members. Familiar places and responsibilities became material for imaginative play.
Power of Reading has connected books with direct experience. An information book about diggers was accompanied by a visiting digger: children sat inside and watched it move on the playground. During work on minibeasts and growing, five caterpillars developed into butterflies before being released in the garden. Our Animal World also visited, allowing children to hold minibeasts. These are examples of learning that brings observation, vocabulary and stories together.
During a Spring 2 EYFS handwriting focus, the school planned daily sessions combining fine motor practice and handwriting, workshops for nursery parents and handwriting activities to send home. These plans linked classroom practice with activities for families.
Food has featured in nursery experiences rather than simply as refreshments. Children tried fruits connected with a Power of Reading story and tasted hot cross buns alongside learning about Easter. A separate nursery PJs and pizza evening included favourite teddies, a film, pizza and popcorn. These were particular activities, rather than a description of everyday meals.
For families seeking advice about additional needs, the school directs parents towards Norfolk SENDIASS, which provides free, confidential and impartial advice. Just One Norfolk covers speech and language, child development, additional needs and health services, giving parents specific support routes.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority in the school’s admission criteria. Families must make a separate application through Norfolk County Council’s school admissions team, following the normal application timetable. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.
Nursery enquiries go to the school office on 01362 692727 or office@dereham.norfolk.sch.uk. The academy manages nursery admissions itself.
The Gemstones Club provides wraparound care on the academy grounds for children aged 3–11. Breakfast Club opens from 7.30am to 9.00am; after-school care runs from 3.15pm to 6pm. The club uses the school hall, with activities including cooking, board games and playdough, plus outdoor toys and gardening equipment. This adds a separate care option around the nursery day. Contact the school for current club charges.
No. Nursery attendance neither guarantees admission nor forms part of the school’s admission criteria. A separate school application goes through Norfolk County Council.
Super Sounds, a pre-phonics programme intended to develop children’s early reading skills.
Examples include creating a miniature town in a tuff tray, using a vets role play area, observing caterpillars become butterflies and meeting minibeasts through Our Animal World.
The Gemstones Club caters for ages 3–11 on the academy grounds. Breakfast Club runs from 7.30am to 9.00am, with after-school care from 3.15pm to 6pm.
Contact the school office on 01362 692727 or email office@dereham.norfolk.sch.uk. The academy handles nursery admissions.
