Whaley Bridge Primary School Nursery

Hands-on learning and time outdoors give Whaley Bridge Primary School's nursery its character. This governor-led provision takes children aged two to four, with flexible attendance across the working week. It sits within the primary school on Buxton Road, rather than operating as a separate nursery business.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 12 and 13 July 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. For parents, the nursery's distinctive practical combination is early education on a school site and hours that can extend beyond its typical funded day.

Outdoor learning is a substantial part of the nursery's approach, alongside learning through practical experience. The wider school grounds include gardens and trees, giving the provision a setting with nature close by. This emphasis makes outdoor exploration part of the educational offer, rather than simply a break from indoor activities.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. In July 2022, learning across its different areas followed a carefully organised sequence, building from children's existing abilities and understanding. The learning environment also helped children become more independent. These are useful foundations for children beginning to do more for themselves.

Butterflies, stick insects and tadpoles supplied a concrete example of early years learning that summer. Children watched their development and talked enthusiastically about it. The value was both observation and conversation: a real change to notice, then something meaningful to explain. Those examples describe early years at the inspection date, rather than a promised nursery activity list today.

School-wide support gives families several points of contact. The SENDCO can be reached at send@whaleybridge.derbyshire.sch.uk. The school's Graduated Approach uses Assess, Plan, Do and Review cycles, with teachers and parents agreeing individual targets. Plans are discussed three times each year, and families can also arrange a conversation with the teacher or SENDCO between reviews.

For wider family worries, the Family Support Worker is in school on Fridays and can meet families either at school or at home. Contact is through the office. Parent Hub and the weekly newsletter carry most school communication, giving parents regular routes for keeping up with school information.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Derbyshire County Council and meet the deadline for their child's entry year. Nursery enquiries go directly to the school; Reception admissions follow the council route. Keep those two processes separate when planning your child's next step.

Transition preparation is a different matter. Before children start school, staff visit their early years setting and invite them to spend time at school. Local nursery children are also invited to school events during the year. These opportunities build familiarity; they do not secure admission.

Nursery hours run from 8am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, with flexibility subject to availability. For children using 30 funded hours, the typical pattern is 9am to 3pm across those five days. Funded and non-funded places are accepted. Non-funded payments can use Tax Free Childcare or go directly to the school's bank account; contact the school for current charges.

Enquiries go to nursery@whaleybridge.derbyshire.sch.uk or 01663 732354, and nursery admissions operate throughout the year. Prospective parents can arrange a school tour through the office. For access, the school asks parents to avoid routine use of its car park and turning circle unless agreed beforehand, preserving space for children with mobility needs or arriving by taxi.