Charlotte Nursery and Infant School Nursery Review

Counting at registration, choosing a story by vote and learning to talk about feelings give Charlotte’s nursery day its character. This is the Foundation Stage 1 provision within Charlotte Nursery and Infant School on Trinity Close, Ilkeston. Children can start in the term following their third birthday, with September, January and April entry points. There are 39 morning places and 39 afternoon places, operating five days a week.

The early years provision received a Requires improvement judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 23 and 24 April 2025. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Play combines children’s own choices with activities organised by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning and care: developing conversation, movement and relationships alongside early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Development Matters guides this work, and topics can change to accommodate children’s interests. For parents, that means a session includes both opportunities to explore independently and planned learning.

White Rose Maths provides the early years maths scheme. Numbers become part of ordinary routines through registration counting, story votes and checking whether there is enough for everyone. These give children practical reasons to count and compare. Jigsaw brings emotional learning into the nursery too, using discussions and circle time to practise expressing feelings and requesting help. Religious celebrations are explored through creative activities and play, taking children’s interests as a starting point.

Physical learning includes one formal EYFS PE session each week, using Get Set 4 PE. The school grounds also have playground zones and trim trails for activity. These are school facilities rather than a description of a dedicated nursery garden.

Curriculum clarity. In April 2025, children enjoyed learning and related positively to one another, but the steps towards essential early knowledge were insufficiently clear. Adult guidance did not consistently extend their learning. Connections between early years learning and later teaching also needed attention. Families should weigh the appealing everyday activities alongside these substantial concerns about how learning builds over time.

Settling begins with meetings and visits before children start. Stay and Play gives parents and children time together in nursery, making the setting familiar before independent attendance. In April 2025, children settled successfully, routines were established and adult relationships were caring.

Thrive shapes the school’s approach to emotional development, including recognising feelings and finding ways to manage them. For additional needs, parents can contact the SENCo through the office, and the admissions page offers a conversation before applying. This provides a direct route to discuss the support a child will need.

Derbyshire County Council’s catering team supplies school meals. The school lunch arrangements include alternatives such as pasta pots and jacket potatoes, while packed lunches must contain healthy choices and exclude nuts. The school operates a nut-free policy, an important practical consideration when preparing food from home.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Derbyshire County Council using the normal application route and meeting the applicable deadline. Reception applications are handled centrally, rather than by the school office.

Before Reception starts, parents are invited to meetings and school visits. These opportunities support preparation for the next stage; they do not secure admission.

Choose between a morning session, 8.55am to 11.55am, and an afternoon session, 12.20pm to 3.20pm. Both are labelled as 15-hour patterns. The 30-hour full-day option runs from 8.55am to 3.20pm, fitting around the school day.

Nursery applications can be made after a child’s first birthday by calling 0115 932 0970. The same office number is the route for arranging a school visit.

Drop-off uses the side entrance and green Nursery gate, where nursery staff can receive information from parents. Collection is from the Nursery bays, with gates opening at the session finishing times. This gives families clear handover points.

The school uniform combines red knitwear, a white polo shirt and grey bottoms, with comfortable black shoes. Logos are optional. Name clothing and choose fastenings children can manage themselves, such as Velcro shoes or elasticated waists, to support independence during the day.