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Nursery at Diss Infant Academy and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Books, storytelling and learning to express feelings give this nursery its character. The nursery class belongs to Diss Infant Academy and Nursery on Fitzwalter Road, Diss. Children can join from the term after their third birthday, subject to a place being available, with usual starts in September, January or April. Some places are reserved for children with special educational needs.
In the inspection published in May 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separate nursery inspection.
Communication gives the learning a clear direction. Books and stories feature from Nursery, building the beginnings of literacy, while spoken language and vocabulary receive attention across early years. For parents, the Early Years Foundation Stage here means attention to children's starting points, repeated opportunities to revisit learning and support adjusted as their understanding develops. Staff monitor progress to identify where extra help is needed.
Learning changes with each intake. In May 2026, vocabulary and speaking skills were a focus as more children were learning English as an additional language. Important information for families was translated into home languages, helping parents take part in learning too.
Teaching consistency. In May 2026, changes in staffing had made adult interactions uneven, and opportunities to take learning further were sometimes missed. Staff also needed greater confidence to adjust teaching to what children already understood. Families should weigh that concern alongside the planned curriculum and close tracking of progress.
Settling has a practical introduction: June and July meetings bring new nursery parents together, and children have sessions to meet their teachers and visit the school. In May 2026, children across early years settled promptly into familiar routines. Adults helped them put feelings into words and learn ways to settle themselves when upset or angry.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities was effective in early years in May 2026. Activities were adjusted around individual targets so children could participate. The school's SEND arrangements include meetings with families at least three times a year to review progress and agree targets. This gives parents a regular opportunity to discuss how support is working.
A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Norfolk County Council's school admissions process; the application deadline is mid January. Nursery attendance is not included among the first-admission oversubscription criteria, so it does not confer Reception priority.
Preparation for a new class is a separate matter. Under the school's SEND transition arrangements, teachers exchange information, and children visit the next classroom and meet their new teacher. Those steps help make the change familiar; they do not change how a Reception place is allocated.
Mornings run from 09.00 to 12.00 during term time, following the academy's term dates. The usual pattern is five sessions each week. That makes midday collection a central consideration for family schedules.
Changing attendance. Families wanting fewer than five weekly sessions must tell the headteacher. Unused sessions may be given to another child, so increasing attendance later in the same academic year may not be possible. If a child takes all five nursery sessions, attendance at another preschool must be funded by the parent.
For nursery applications, contact the school office at diss@dissandscole.stbenets.org or telephone 01379 642768.
Children may start at the beginning of the term after their third birthday if a place is available. Usual entry points are September, January and April. Children moving into the area may start mid-term where there is space.
Term-time morning sessions run from 09.00 to 12.00, following the academy's term dates.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Norfolk County Council, with a mid January deadline. Nursery attendance does not confer priority under the first-admission criteria.
In May 2026, early years support included activities adapted to children's individual targets. The school's SEND arrangements provide family progress meetings at least three times a year.
Contact the school office at diss@dissandscole.stbenets.org or call 01379 642768.
