Laceyfields Academy Nursery Review

Water play, model building and songs give London Class its character. This is Laceyfields Academy’s nursery, part of an infant school in Heanor where children start from age three. Learning through play follows the named Early Excellence approach, with exploration and investigation woven into the class’s activities.

The nursery belongs to the school’s early years provision. Ofsted graded early years Good following the inspection on 11 and 12 July 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Children have time to pursue an idea. During continuous provision, they choose activities such as construction, pretend play and water play, while adults extend the learning through conversation and support. A sandpit can become a place to practise talking or getting along with another child. The activity stays playful, but there is a learning purpose behind it.

Adult-led teaching sits at the edges of sessions so that children’s play is not interrupted midway. Daily phonics is adapted to children’s needs and takes place either before or after continuous provision. Early listening activities include recognising sounds around them and making sounds with instruments or their bodies. Books travel home too: children choose a library book each week, giving families something to share beyond nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early reading, number work, creativity and understanding the world. Here, that includes exploring numbers up to 10, talking about shapes and measurements, and making marks for a purpose. Children cut and connect materials to make models from their own ideas, while artwork draws on their interests and the term’s theme.

Outside, a purpose-built early years learning space supports physical activity. The wider school grounds also include a pond, woodland area and field. Inside and outdoors, activities develop balance, coordination and muscle control. In July 2023, early years activities had clear purposes, and adults were skilled at expanding children’s vocabulary: conversation was a substantial part of the learning.

London Class has a teacher and teaching assistants. Nursery children also spend time working and playing with staff from Cardiff Class, the Reception class, bringing another familiar group of adults into their experience.

In July 2023, established early years routines helped children respond positively, and children who were distressed received support suited to them. Talking about feelings also forms part of everyday learning: stories help children recognise emotions and explain them, while conversations encourage them to resolve disagreements.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), individual support is arranged with families and outside professionals. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher first, and contact the special educational needs coordinator through the school office. This gives families a clear route into discussions about their child’s needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Derbyshire County Council’s admissions process by the deadline for their entry year. For the autumn 2026 intake, that deadline was 15 January 2026. In that cycle, nursery attendance conferred no priority under the oversubscription criteria.

Working and playing with Cardiff Class staff provides continuity of contact. It is a practical connection between the classes, separate from the allocation of school places.

Morning and afternoon sessions are offered, and the nursery application includes a 30-hour option conditional on holding a code. Families can apply using the nursery form or contact the office on 01773 712823. Visits can be arranged by telephone before applying, giving parents an opportunity to see the setting and discuss their child’s start.