Dallimore Primary & Nursery School: Nursery Review

Ladybirds and Dragonflies give Dallimore’s nursery two distinct stages: a purpose-built room for children aged two to three, followed by provision for three- and four-year-olds. Both belong to the primary school in Kirk Hallam. Play, relationships and early language shape the younger children’s activities; daily phonics adds another strand in Dragonflies.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its September 2023 inspection. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. At that time, nursery children explored planned activities with a clear emphasis on foundational skills.

Ladybirds builds learning around play. Activities take place inside and outdoors, supporting movement, speech and social and emotional development. Children practise building relationships with adults and peers, so learning to communicate and join in sits alongside physical exploration. The purpose-built room gives this younger age group its own setting within the school.

In Dragonflies, a teacher works with supporting staff, and each child has a key worker. Activities indoors and outside are planned for the three-to-four age group. Phonics happens daily: games and songs introduce letter sounds, making early literacy part of an active session. This is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in practical parent terms here: developing language, relationships and physical skills alongside the foundations for later learning.

Vocabulary receives attention from Nursery onwards. In September 2023, an early years maths activity involved sorting animal toys and explaining the choices, showing how practical tasks also develop reasoning. Seasonal experiences add variety: nursery children explored fireworks and pretend bonfires in November 2025, while an Easter nursery update describes themed learning and activities. Across the school, classes also use a cooking room on a rota, combining food preparation with kitchen hygiene.

A named role matters more than a large team list: Dragonflies children have a key worker, giving families an identifiable point of connection within the provision. Ladybirds staff also offer parents strategies to use at home, linking session activities with support beyond nursery.

For children who need additional help, the school’s SEND arrangements include adjustments to routines, teaching and resources, with parents involved in decisions. Celebratory Checkpoints can track smaller developmental gains for EYFS children working substantially below expected levels. This allows progress to be recognised through individual steps rather than a single age-based measure.

Emotional support includes the school’s Thrive Rooms, accessible to children with or without identified SEND. Five licensed Thrive Practitioners work within the school, and staff receive training in the approach. Families can raise concerns with their child’s teacher or through Class Dojo. For eligible children using wraparound care, breakfast includes options such as cereal, fruit and toast; after-school care includes a drink and snack. Registration records dietary needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Derbyshire County Council, electronically or by post, meeting the deadline set for the relevant September intake. Treat that application as a distinct step, even if your child already attends Dallimore’s nursery.

Preparation for a new class is a separate matter. The school’s transition arrangements include meeting the next teacher and spending time in the new classroom before the summer holiday. Extra visits or shorter sessions can be arranged where appropriate, while transition booklets and classroom videos help families prepare together.

Term-time sessions form the core offer. Ladybirds runs from 8.45am to 11.45am or from 12.45pm to 3.45pm. Dragonflies’ standard allocation is 15 hours across five mornings or five afternoons; preferences can be requested but are not assured. A limited full-day option provides 30 hours for children eligible for that funded entitlement, subject to places and staffing. Its day ends at 2.45pm after an 8.45am start, with a charged extension to 3.45pm.

Funded Ladybirds places depend on eligibility, and paid places depend on capacity and staffing ratios. Childcare codes need reconfirmation roughly every three months. Charges also apply to extra sessions and a nursery activity contribution covering baking ingredients and other activities; contact the school for current charges.

Breakfast and after-school care accept toilet-trained children aged three and above and require advance ParentPay booking. Uniform is optional in Ladybirds; otherwise, royal blue knitwear accompanies grey or black clothing. Nursery enquiries and applications go through the school office on 0115 9320741. Ladybirds visits can also be arranged there. Gates close at 8.55am, after which access is through the main office.