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Nursery at Highfield Ely 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication, sensory exploration and individual needs shape the wider setting around Highfield Ely Academy’s nursery provision. This is a special school on Downham Road in Ely, accepting pupils from age 2 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The school describes support spanning medical, physical, sensory and communication needs. For families, the central question is how that support fits their child’s everyday experience.
Learning takes different forms across the school’s curriculum pathways. In the Blue Pathway, early communication involves gestures, expressions and responses to familiar objects, alongside emerging speech. Makaton and TASSELS signing, photographs and objects of reference support communication. These give children ways to express preferences through more than spoken words.
Sensory exploration supplies concrete learning experiences. Blue Pathway science includes investigating bubbles and cornflour, watering seeds and experimenting with sound through resonance boards. Music activities can involve instrument exploration, movement and stories accompanied by sound. The emphasis is on responding, exploring and anticipating what happens next.
Cooking is adapted across the school’s pathways, with sensory experiences and early communication forming the Blue Pathway focus. Muddy Boots Farm adds a physical setting for learning: a fenced area of 160 square metres accommodates animals including pygmy goats, rabbits and guinea pigs. Opportunities extend to all learners, connecting sensory experiences with communication and practical exploration.
Before admission, families are offered a meeting to discuss their child’s needs so the team can prepare. That gives parents a specific opportunity to explain routines, preferences and care requirements before their child starts.
Across the school, behaviour support includes visual prompts, individual plans and predictable routines. The school describes its wellbeing approach as therapeutic and based on relationships. Targeted support may include play therapy, music therapy and rebound therapy, with access determined by individual need and reviewed regularly. These are individual interventions rather than an automatic package. Parents can raise wellbeing concerns with the class teacher or office.
Edwards and Blake provides school meals. Medical diets require a request where a diagnosed allergy, intolerance or medical condition calls for an adapted menu. Vegetarian, halal, vegan and pescatarian requirements can be accommodated through the standard menu, giving families a different process for preferences and medical needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat the move as a separate placement question with the local authority. Highfield’s specialist admission route requires agreement from the Local Authority Placement and Provision Panel before paperwork passes through the Statutory Assessment and Resources Team (SAT). The school cannot offer a place directly. Families should pursue the appropriate Reception placement process with their authority rather than assume nursery attendance settles it.
The wider school day starts at 8.45am and ends at 3.15pm. Registration arrangements can be adjusted by agreement for a pupil’s special educational needs or disabilities. These are school-day arrangements, rather than a nursery session booking model.
Uniform can be adapted for sensory needs, and green or white tops without a logo are accepted. A virtual tour offers an introduction to the school. For enquiries, contact the office on 01353 662085 or office@highfield.cambs.sch.uk.
No. Discuss the appropriate placement process with your local authority; Highfield cannot offer places directly.
Families are offered a pre-admission meeting to share their child’s needs and help the team prepare.
Yes. A medical diet request is required for diagnosed allergies, intolerances or medical conditions needing an adapted menu.
Yes. The school allows flexibility for sensory needs and accepts green or white tops without a logo.
Call the office on 01353 662085 or email office@highfield.cambs.sch.uk.
