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Nursery at Sketchley Hill Menphys Nursery School, Burbage
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A wheelchair-accessible trampoline, switch-operated toys and a Multi-Sensory Room give this nursery its distinctive character: play is adapted so children with additional needs can take part. Sketchley Hill Menphys caters for children aged 2-5 years with special educational needs. Its purpose-built nursery stands within the grounds of Sketchley Hill Primary School in Burbage, while remaining a nursery school in its own right.
Qualified teachers work alongside Learning Support Assistants and Nursery Nurses. Visiting professionals include Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and Physiotherapists, bringing specialist support into the children's learning environment.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. Here, that means learning through communication, physical activity, books, creative experiences and exploring the world. The nursery says sensory experiences and children's individual interests shape its approach, with communication and social interaction a substantial part of its work.
Three teaching areas each combine quieter space with wet and messy play. A Soft Play Room provides another place for movement, while a separate withdrawal room accommodates individual work and assessments. Touch-screen computers can be controlled using switches, widening access for children who need a different way to operate them.
Outside, fenced play spaces include equipment accessible to wheelchair users. A gardening plot and nature area bring growing vegetables into the day throughout the year. Outings can include the library, park or train station, extending learning beyond the nursery; parental permission is required.
In April 2025, children explored paint, played at being doctors and experimented with water spray bottles. Songs and stories ran through the day, with early reading beginning through listening and looking at books. Learning targets identified each child's next steps. Learning sequence. Some activities did not build understanding in a sufficiently clear order. Families should weigh that concern alongside the personalised curriculum.
Communication support has a practical purpose: helping children express preferences and make choices. In April 2025, children used their communication methods successfully, including when choosing a healthy snack. Staff also supported sensory needs through massage alongside storytelling. A key worker accompanied children to their classroom, providing a familiar adult connection.
At the April 2025 inspection, visual prompts helped children understand what came next, and a song signalled the end of an activity. Staff recognised agitation and adapted their response to the child's difficulty. Safeguarding arrangements were effective at the April 2025 inspection. Behaviour recording. Incident coding and detail needed improvement so leaders could analyse behaviour more precisely. That concerns oversight as well as daily care.
At the April 2025 inspection, workshops supported families with sleep, diet and behaviour at home. Healthy snack options include vegetables and fruit. A spacious bathroom accommodates children's needs, and the hall serves both indoor play and meals, giving care routines their own physical space within the nursery day.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place at Sketchley Hill Primary School or another school. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate processes: families must make a separate Reception application through the normal route by the normal deadline. Being based on primary school grounds should not be treated as an admissions advantage.
The school day starts at 9am and finishes at 3pm. Attendance on a full-time basis equates to 30 hours of learning per week; this describes the school day rather than a funded-hours entitlement.
Specialist nursery places are allocated and funded by the Local Authority after a multidisciplinary panel agrees eligibility. An Early Years SEND Inclusion Service recommendation precedes panel consideration. Generally, children now need an Education and Health Care Plan before starting, with their inclusion practitioner or advisor able to support this process.
Comfortable clothing is suitable and uniform is not expected. Messy play can leave clothes dirty, so everyday clothing makes practical sense. Parents of children with special needs are welcome to visit and learn about the activities. Enquiries go to the office team on 01455 890684 or office@menphysnurseryschool.leics.sch.uk.
Sketchley Hill Menphys provides specialist nursery education for children aged 2-5 years who have special educational needs.
The school day runs from 9am to 3pm. Full-time attendance equates to 30 hours of learning per week.
The fenced outdoor spaces include wheelchair-accessible play equipment, including a trampoline, plus a nature area and a gardening plot for growing vegetables.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal process.
The Local Authority allocates and funds places once a multidisciplinary panel has agreed eligibility. Generally, children need an Education and Health Care Plan before starting.
