North Denes Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Chalk, masking tape and a collaborative mini beast artwork give a concrete glimpse of nursery life at North Denes. Children have worked together on that project, combining materials with a shared task. The provision belongs to North Denes Primary School and Nursery on Jellicoe Road in Great Yarmouth.

Two-year-olds were among the children catered for in January 2023, when the nursery provided funded places on both a full-time and part-time basis. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good following its inspection on 10 and 11 January 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school.

Language and early mathematical understanding were priorities in January 2023. Staff helped children build their vocabulary alongside relationships with adults and other children. For parents, this puts communication and the beginnings of number understanding alongside participation in activities.

Past projects show how children's interests have become practical learning. In September 2017, finding a snail in the garden led to a library visit, artwork and edible snail shapes made from tortilla wraps. Children also learned to care for the creature before returning it outdoors. The garden became a starting point for investigation.

In November 2017, outdoor horse play developed into making rosettes and building jumping courses, followed by a visit to Redwings Horse Sanctuary. Children met donkeys, ponies and horses there. These were specific past experiences, with imaginative play extended into making things and encountering real animals.

Curriculum planning. In January 2023, some nursery learning areas needed clearer organisation and a better sequence. Leaders were working on this, but further development was required to give children secure foundations across their learning. The positive early years judgement therefore sits alongside a nursery-specific curriculum concern.

In January 2023, nursery children were happy, received attentive care and enjoyed joining activities. Their relationships with staff and peers were positive, giving the care picture a clear social dimension.

The team structure includes an EYFS lead and nursery staff, alongside a SENCo, speech and language support, an Inclusion Team and a Care and Support Advisor. These are distinct roles for teaching, communication and family support. The school aims to include children with special educational needs throughout school life.

Cooking has also featured in nursery learning. In December 2017, pretend pancakes made from playdough prompted real cooking: children discussed toppings, made ingredient lists and whisked batter, then ate pancakes with strawberries and chocolate. This was a practical food activity rather than a description of routine meals.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Norfolk County Council's school admissions route, even when their child already attends North Denes nursery. Apply by the deadline for the relevant entry year.

Attendance at an attached nursery does not normally confer priority for that school. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions; being familiar with the school does not secure admission.

For enquiries, contact the school office on 01493 842063, email office@northdenes.norfolk.sch.uk or use the contact form. The address is Jellicoe Road, Great Yarmouth, NR30 4HF.

The January 2023 provision included full-time and part-time funded places for two-year-olds. This is a dated description of the nursery's funding and attendance model, rather than a promise of a particular present-day session.