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Nursery at Ladywood Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Paint, baking and stories give Ladywood’s nursery its character: play provides the starting point, with activities indoors and outside. This is Ladywood Primary School’s own nursery in Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston, rather than a separate childcare setting.
Children normally join in the term after turning three. Those eligible for the specified 2½-year funding can begin in the term before their third birthday. At the Ofsted inspection on 10 and 11 October 2023, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Learning takes several forms. Children can build with construction toys, make models, explore water and sand, or take part in singing and painting. Baking, computer activities and story sessions add different ways to participate. Indoor and outdoor activities both belong to the nursery day, so learning is not confined to work inside.
Language and books give this play a clear educational purpose. In October 2023, early years teaching emphasised vocabulary and early reading. Adults helped children acquire words through activities and encouraged them to discuss stories while playing. For parents, this makes the early years foundation stage tangible: conversation and play work together, rather than books being reserved for story time alone.
Early mathematics also received a positive assessment in October 2023. Alongside the practical activities, this gives families an early years offer with attention to both language and mathematical learning.
In October 2023, the school invited parents and toddlers in to prepare children for settling into early years. This gave families a chance to become familiar with the setting together before starting.
For children staying all day, a complimentary lunch club runs daily. Its inclusion matters when combining morning and afternoon attendance. School meal arrangements include hot food cooked on site, with Derbyshire Catering Service involved. Most allergies and special diets can be accommodated; a tailored medical diet requires a digital application so kitchen staff can prepare appropriately. Lunch-club attendance should not be confused with an entitlement to a free meal.
A school safeguarding team supports children, and the school works with outside agencies when additional help is needed.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admission priority. Families must make a separate school application through Derbyshire’s admissions service and meet the normal application deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step, even if your child already attends Ladywood’s nursery.
Allocation follows priorities including care status, the school’s normal area and siblings. Distance decides between children meeting the same relevant criterion. Familiarity with the school therefore needs to be kept separate from the decision about a Reception place.
Usual weekday sessions run from 8.45am to 11.40am and from 12.20pm to 3.20pm, Monday to Friday. Attendance can combine mornings, afternoons and full days, giving families more than one way to arrange the week.
The school describes most children as entitled to 15 hours of nursery education weekly, with 30 funded hours offered to eligible families. Additional sessions can be purchased. Bring the authorisation code for approved additional funding to the school office, which also handles nursery applications. Contact the office on 0115 932 0585; prospective families are welcome to tour the school. Ask the school for current charges before committing to extra sessions.
Normally in the term after their third birthday. Children eligible for the specified 2½-year funding can start in the term before they turn three.
Monday to Friday, mornings run from 8.45am to 11.40am and afternoons from 12.20pm to 3.20pm. Morning, afternoon and full-day attendance can be combined.
The school describes most children as entitled to 15 hours weekly and offers 30 funded hours for eligible families. Paid additional sessions are also possible.
A complimentary lunch club runs every day for children attending a full day. This does not establish a free-meal entitlement.
No. It neither guarantees a place nor gives admission priority. Apply separately through Derbyshire’s school admissions service by the normal deadline.
