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Nursery at Bennerley Fields School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication, self-help and learning through the senses shape the early years at Bennerley Fields. This is nursery provision within a special school, where the youngest children’s learning is organised around their developmental needs.
The school admits pupils from age two and requires every pupil to have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP). Suitability depends on whether it can deliver the provision that the individual child’s plan requires. In January 2023, the small early-years group learned alongside children following the Stage 1 nurture curriculum. That places developmental stage, rather than age alone, at the centre of the classroom grouping.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines seven learning areas. Here, communication and language, physical development and emotional and social learning sit alongside mathematics, literacy, creativity and understanding the world. The emphasis is practical: exploring, playing, developing social skills and learning to do things for oneself.
A topic such as All about me gives each term’s activities a connecting theme. Learning happens both indoors and outside, with activities using several senses to introduce skills and ideas. Play and exploration are part of the curriculum, giving children ways to engage beyond spoken language alone.
Progress for early learners who are not yet working within individual subjects is tracked through the BF Engagement Framework. It covers sensory development, motor skills, communication, social and emotional development, and the Engagement Model. This makes those developmental steps visible alongside later subject learning. Parents receive a progress update each term against their child’s targets.
Ofsted’s January 2023 inspection found that the informal curriculum supported sensory and communication needs, explicitly including children in the early years. That is the relevant early-years finding here, rather than a separate nursery grade.
Settling is planned around each child and family once a place has been agreed. Possible arrangements include a quiet visit after lessons, meeting pupils during the day, or staff visiting the child’s home or existing setting. A personalised booklet can combine photographs with a social story, giving families something concrete to use when preparing for the change.
The SEND coordinator and Family Support Workers work together to help families. Support can include advice about services, help with routines at home and preparation for changes. Home visits and continuing advice may follow, so this support extends beyond classroom learning. Parent and carer sessions bring in staff or outside speakers for training and advice. Families can request specific training, giving them a way to seek help with concerns of their own.
Food has a physical base on site: the school kitchen prepares hot lunches daily. Families can apply for free school meals through Derbyshire County Council, with help from the office to complete the online form.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Discuss arrangements for Reception with your placing local authority. At Bennerley Fields, the authority makes placement decisions after consulting the school; suitability for the child’s needs and an available place remain conditions of admission.
Class changes have their own preparation. In July, classes spend a couple of days in their September groups, and new pupils can join visits during that period. This is a chance to meet the relevant staff and children. It supports familiarity with the next class; it does not establish an admissions advantage.
The general school day runs from 8.55am to 3.15pm. Most pupils attend full time, with exceptions linked to age, medical needs or transition following non-attendance elsewhere.
For enquiries or to book a tour, call the office on 0115 932 6374. Uniform for the early years includes a royal blue cardigan or sweatshirt, white top and dark grey or black bottoms. Items need no school logo, and pre-loved uniform is free for families. Children who find clothing difficult because of sensory needs can have their requirements discussed with the school.
The school admits children from age two. Every pupil must have an EHCP, and placement depends on the school being able to meet the child’s needs and having a place.
Communication, social development, self-help, exploration and play receive particular attention. A multisensory approach connects indoor and outdoor activities through termly topics.
Transition is personalised. It can include quiet visits, meetings with pupils, visits to the home or current setting, and a booklet with photographs and a social story.
Yes. Hot meals are prepared daily in the school’s own kitchen. The office can help families complete an online free-school-meals application through Derbyshire County Council.
No. Local authorities decide placements after consulting the school. Discuss arrangements for Reception with your placing authority.
