Coppice Primary School Nursery Review

Dinosaur bones in The Beach area, missing-dinosaur posters in the Message Centre and shape printing in the Calculation corner give Coppice’s nursery a distinct character: stories become reasons to count, talk, investigate and make things. Fox Cubs is the school’s nursery class for children aged three and four, with its own classroom and access to the EYFS outdoor learning area.

This is a morning provision, built around three-hour sessions rather than a full childcare day. Ofsted’s inspection on 13 and 14 March 2023 graded early years provision Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play drives the learning. Adults watch what children do, join their activities and introduce ideas that extend their thinking. Weekly books and themes provide a starting point, while planning in the moment allows children’s interests to change the direction. The dinosaur topic, for example, includes sorting models by colour or size, exploring skeletons and using an outdoor map to search for fossils.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines early reading, writing and mathematics with communication, physical skills, relationships, creativity and understanding the world. Here, those areas meet in practical activities. Water World offers investigations with eggs and matching halves; the Creation Station supplies art straws for making dinosaurs. In Funky Fingers, children uncover bones and fossils with brushes. These are concrete ways to practise comparison, vocabulary and careful hand movements.

Twinkl Phonics begins at Level 1 in nursery. Storytelling also uses Talk for Writing: The Little Red Hen is retold through actions and a story map, giving children ways to remember and join in a narrative. Nursery children can borrow school library books. Music activities across EYFS include Dough Disco, instruments and movement breaks, while science uses sand, water and the mud kitchen to explore materials and living things.

In March 2023, early years children participated readily in number and writing activities, enjoyed songs and rhymes, and persisted with unfamiliar skills. They also played and learned cooperatively. Those findings support the emphasis on learning through shared activity.

Settling starts with getting to know the family. For the September 2026 intake, the programme included a home meeting of around 30 minutes with the nursery teacher and safeguarding and wellbeing officer. Two accompanied classroom visits came before a full morning attended independently. That sequence gave children time to recognise the adults, spaces and classmates before separating from their parents.

A nursery teacher and EYFS co-ordinator works alongside practitioners and teaching assistants. The teacher also holds a Forest School leader qualification. Families receive a Friday newsletter, and Tapestry photographs and observations contribute to My Little Book of Adventures. Parents can share achievements from home through Tapestry and proud clouds, making communication a two-way exchange.

Additional needs support includes parent participation in Support Plans and termly reviews. The school and nursery’s provision includes sensory breaks and Lego therapy. The school may also receive support from outside services, including speech and language therapy. Cooking and tasting are part of EYFS learning too: bread, vegetable soup and fruit kebabs provide opportunities to explore food and healthy choices.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Derbyshire County Council, following the normal application timetable; the nursery form goes directly to the school.

Preparation is a separate matter. Across the nursery year, children work towards readiness for Reception. For the September 2026 Reception intake, transition included a family stay-and-play session, two afternoon visits, an induction evening for parents and a visit incorporating lunch. These activities introduced the next classroom, adults and routines, rather than conferring an admissions advantage.

Morning sessions run from 8.35am to 11.35am. Drop-off uses the main playground gate, with collection at the main gate. Families needing afternoon care should plan around that morning-only pattern.

The nursery offers the 15-hour funded entitlement for three- and four-year-olds, with access beginning in September, January or April after the third birthday. Consumables and additional services carry no extra charge. Visits and enhanced learning experiences can involve charges for transport, admission or visiting providers, itemised in individual letters; refer to those letters for current charges.

To apply, return the nursery admission form to the office or email info@coppice.derbyshire.sch.uk, and present the child’s birth certificate at school. Visits can be arranged by calling 01773 712840.