Ingoldsby Academy Nursery Review

Play, friendships and preparation for school shape the aims of Red Kites Pre-School, Ingoldsby Academy’s nursery provision. It sits on the school site on Lenton Road in Ingoldsby. The pre-school aims to let children become familiar with school life at their own pace, making that adjustment part of its purpose.

The provision caters for three- and four-year-olds, with funded and unfunded entry from the Easter Term before their September Reception start. Places are limited by staffing. That entry pattern makes this a focused period of preparation for school.

Learning through play is the pre-school’s stated approach, alongside helping children build friendships. Its aims bring learning and social development together: play is intended to be both enjoyable and educational.

Sessions run in three-hour blocks, with a morning option and an afternoon option each weekday. Regular attendance at the agreed sessions is expected so children can develop a familiar routine. Outdoor play is part of early-years life too: children should keep wellingtons at school, ready to use outside.

Families can visit with their child before applying. A visit is optional and has no bearing on whether a place is offered, so parents can use it to become familiar with the setting together.

For additional needs, the academy’s support arrangements include Foundation Stage children. Small-group or individual interventions can be used, with Speech and Language support among the specialist services involved where appropriate. Parents should raise concerns with the class teacher; the SENDCo can then be involved in planning support. Targets are shared with families and reviewed within three months, giving parents a defined point to discuss progress.

Medical needs have their own arrangements. Healthcare plans are developed with parents and healthcare professionals, and medication is stored in a locked cupboard in the medical room. For meals, families can book and pay ahead through My Child At School or send a packed lunch. This gives parents a choice over lunch arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority. A separate application is required, even for children already attending the nursery.

For September 2027 entry, Lincolnshire residents apply through Lincolnshire County Council by 15 January 2027. Families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority. Reception priority follows the admission criteria, including care status, siblings and the specified distance criterion, rather than nursery attendance. Keep the Reception application separate from the nursery booking.

Red Kites aims to support the move into school at each child’s pace. That preparation is distinct from the allocation of a place.

Morning sessions run from 09:00 to 12:00; afternoons run from 12:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday. Families request their preferred sessions when applying and complete registration, contract and declaration forms. Changes to attendance times take effect only at the beginning of a term, which matters if work arrangements change.

Funded and bought hours are accommodated. Funding does not cover meals, consumables or extra services; additional charges are itemised, and families experiencing difficulty meeting them can speak to the pre-school. Contact the academy for current charges.

To arrange a pre-school appointment or request application forms, call 01476 585278 or email enquiries@ingoldsbyacademy.co.uk. On the school site, use the pedestrian path marked by a red and white barrier. Parking requires prior permission, so plan collection and drop-off around that restriction.