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Nursery at Dunstable Icknield Lower 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 three-week phased start and a key person for each child give this nursery a clear emphasis on becoming familiar with adults before settling into the full routine. Dunstable Icknield Lower School's nursery sits within its early years provision on Burr Street, with access through the Early Years playground. It is part of a school whose starting age is 3.
Families choose between morning and afternoon sessions under the universal funded-hours scheme, or a longer day for children eligible for the working parents' scheme. The school's Ofsted judgement is Requires Improvement; this is a whole-school judgement, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Play provides the basis for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework covering children's learning, development and care. Communication, physical development and learning to manage feelings and relationships sit alongside early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. Activities connect these areas, rather than treating them as separate lessons.
Dinosaurs, Journeys and All About Me are among the nursery's themes. Growing and Changing, Heroes and Adventures, and Animals and their Babies also feature across the year. Plans can change with children's interests and needs. The nursery aims to give children opportunities to explore directly, make choices and share their ideas, so their own interests have a place in the learning.
Messy and wet play are part of the day, with aprons used when needed. Outdoor play calls for wellies and wet-weather clothing to be kept at school: the school uses OPAL, its outdoor play approach. The Early Years playground is also the nursery's access point, linking the practical routine with its outdoor space.
Starting happens in small groups across the first 3 weeks of term. A home visit, an initial Stay and Play session and meetings with previous settings support that introduction. Each child has a key person from the staff team, giving parents a familiar contact as well as giving the child an adult to get to know.
Half-termly Stay and Play opportunities bring parents into nursery learning. Tapestry holds each child's photographs, observations and comments; parents can contribute their own photos and responses. There is daily contact with key practitioners, with meetings requested by phone or email.
Lunch comes from home in a named bag or lunchbox, with packaging children can manage themselves. Fruit and water are available, and children under 5 are offered milk from Cool Milk. Nuts and sesame must be avoided, and food should not be shared. Families report allergies and dietary requirements through Applicaa.
Toileting accidents are recognised as part of care. The nursery aims to use a small designated changing area, with parental consent for staff assistance and spare clothes brought from home. For additional needs, early years support-plan reviews take place half-termly. Referral to the Early Years SEND Team is possible from Nursery, following at least two cycles of assessment, planning, support and review.
Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor confers priority for September 2027 entry. Families must make a separate application through Central Bedfordshire Council by 15 January 2027. Choose the nursery for the provision itself, and keep the Reception application on your calendar.
Transition support is a separate matter. The summer meeting with the nursery key person covers progress and next steps. For children allocated Reception places, Stay and Play sessions and photographs of staff and classroom areas help build familiarity. Children needing extra transition support can have further settling opportunities, with the SENCo involved.
Morning nursery runs from 08:45 to 11:45, afternoon nursery from 11:45 to 14:45, and the day for 30 hours children from 08:45 to 14:45. Universal 15 hours funding covers a morning or afternoon place; eligible working parents can use 30 hours for a full week of sessions. Funding forms must be completed, and the working parents' code reconfirmed every 3 months.
Uniform applies to Nursery: grey clothing, a white polo shirt and a red DILS-logo jumper, cardigan or sweatshirt, with black school shoes. Drop-off and collection use the EYFS entrance. Parents must notify staff if a different adult will collect.
Travel. Parents have no parking on site, and Burr Street has School Streets access restrictions. Ashton Square and West Street car parks provide park-and-stride options. Visits can be arranged through the School Office; admissions enquiries go to admissions@dunstableicknield.co.uk.
Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45 and afternoons from 11:45 to 14:45. Children attending for 30 hours have a day from 08:45 to 14:45.
Children start in small groups over 3 weeks. A home visit, Stay and Play session and assigned key person support the introduction.
Yes. Nursery children bring lunch from home in a named lunchbox or bag. Avoid nuts and sesame, and choose containers your child can manage independently.
No. Nursery attendance does not confer priority for September 2027 entry or guarantee a place. Apply separately through Central Bedfordshire Council by 15 January 2027.
Contact the School Office to arrange a school visit. Admissions enquiries can be emailed to admissions@dunstableicknield.co.uk.
