Clements Primary Academy Nursery Review

Shared snacks for conversation and crates for climbing give Clements’ early years provision a practical focus: learning to communicate and becoming more independent. The nursery at Clements Primary Academy in Haverhill accepts government-funded children from the term after their second birthday until the term they begin school. There are 26 places, with a maximum of eight two-year-olds.

Ofsted’s March 2026 judgement for the school’s early years provision was Expected standard. This covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Communication gets deliberate attention. In March 2026, many early years children faced difficulties with speech and language, and shared snack time gave adults a regular opportunity to demonstrate language and help children practise conversation. Eating together serves a learning purpose as well as a social one.

Outside, crates and other equipment let children practise jumping and climbing, including those in the youngest class. These activities develop gross motor skills: the larger movements children use to control their bodies. Independence matters too, with the early years learning environment helping children do more for themselves.

Across the early years foundation stage, the curriculum develops knowledge and skills across all areas of learning. In March 2026, children were progressing positively from their individual starting points. The emphasis is on development across the child’s learning, alongside the specific work on communication and physical movement.

Relationships provide continuity. In March 2026, early years staff understood children individually, maintained positive relationships and shared children’s achievements with parents and carers. Children behaved respectfully. That combination gives families a picture of how their child is getting on, alongside the learning itself.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities, early years staff recognised obstacles promptly and introduced support quickly. Leaders checked how that support was working. The school also uses a graduated approach to SEND support, with teaching staff and the SEND coordinator planning provision alongside parents and reviewing individual education plans each term. Parents contribute to targets and reviews, so support can respond to changing needs.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority’s normal admissions process, by the deadline for their child’s entry year. For the 2026/27 admissions cycle, nursery attendance confers no priority under the oversubscription criteria. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.

Preparation for starting school has its own programme. New Reception families have a summer information session, while Stay and Play sessions take place during the second half of the summer term. Home visits are also offered. Some children with SEND receive additional opportunities to spend time at school before starting, helping them become familiar with the change. These arrangements support transition; they do not secure admission.

Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, Monday to Friday; afternoon sessions run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Children may remain over lunchtime with no additional charge. Funding can be divided between providers, giving families a way to combine settings.

All three- and four-year-olds become eligible for Early Education Funding at the start of the term after their third birthday. Nursery application forms come from the school office. Contact the office on 01440 702946 or email office@clementsprimary.co.uk.

Session choice. A nursery place may be offered even when the requested sessions cannot be accommodated. Families should consider whether the alternative pattern offered fits their childcare arrangements before accepting.