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Nursery at Woodlands 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Real-life superheroes give Little Shoots Nursery a distinctive starting point: children have explored the work of people who help others, including trying on a fire officer’s uniform. This is Woodlands Academy’s provision for three-year-olds, within the school on Pinewood Crescent in Grimsby.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 1 and 2 July 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Communication, independent learning and children’s readiness for their next stage were clear strengths.
Morning sessions run from 8:45 to 11:45. Within early years, language development receives close attention: children are encouraged to explain their thinking, rather than simply give an answer. In July 2025, an activity about odd numbers prompted children to explain why a number could be left without a partner. The useful distinction for parents is between repeating number words and understanding an idea well enough to describe it.
Little Shoots makes learning concrete through familiar people and their jobs. In February 2025, a Fire Safety Officer visited while children explored people who help others; some tried on authentic uniform. Staff also dressed as the school’s cleaners. Everyday work became material for children’s learning, with helpers from their own school included alongside the emergency services.
The early years learning space supported children in choosing and using resources independently in July 2025. Children stayed engaged and persisted with activities, while staff brought enthusiasm to their learning. These are practical foundations for the next stage: taking an interest, making choices and continuing when an activity takes effort.
An early years senior teacher sits within the school’s team structure. Families also have access to a SEND co-ordinator, pastoral support and safeguarding staff, giving them distinct contacts for learning needs and family welfare.
For concerns about a child’s additional needs, contact with the SEND co-ordinator goes through the school office. Families seeking wider support can speak with staff, who can arrange a conversation with the pastoral or safeguarding team and discuss Early Help. This provides a route for raising concerns beyond classroom learning.
School staff receive child protection and safeguarding training, and must pass concerns about harm or neglect to the designated safeguarding lead. Children are told which adults they can approach with concerns.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority; North East Lincolnshire residents can use the Parent Portal or a Common Application Form.
For September 2026 entry, the on-time deadline was 15 January 2026. Keep the nursery decision and the Reception application separate: attending Little Shoots does not itself count as applying for school.
The 8:45 to 11:45 session gives families a defined morning commitment, with collection before midday. Nursery enquiries go to the school office on 01472 500900 or wlaenquiries@harbourlearningtrust.com.
School visits can be made without booking, or families can contact the office to arrange an appointment. A visit gives parents an opportunity to discuss the nursery offer and ask questions directly before choosing a place.
The school has nursery provision for three-year-old children.
Morning sessions run from 8:45 to 11:45.
One example from February 2025 is people who help others. A Fire Safety Officer visited, some children tried on a fire officer’s uniform, and staff dressed as school cleaners.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal local authority route.
Contact the school office on 01472 500900 or wlaenquiries@harbourlearningtrust.com. School visits are available without booking, and appointments can also be arranged through the office.
