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Nursery at Clifford Community Primary School & Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, counting and early writing featured in the school's early years at the November 2024 inspection. It belongs to a primary school on Clifford Road in Ipswich, with a nursery manager and teaching assistants assigned to the nursery. That places its provision within the school's early years team.
The early years provision was judged Requires improvement at the Ofsted inspection on 26 and 27 November 2024. This is a judgement covering the school's early years, rather than a separate nursery rating. The balance for parents is clear: children were happy and confident, but opportunities to repeat important learning needed attention.
The morning session runs from 8:45am to 11:45am. For families, that means planning around a morning of nursery and collection before midday.
At the November 2024 inspection, learning in the school's early years included counting to 10, forming letters and cutting. These activities combined number knowledge with the hand movements needed for writing and practical tasks. Children also enjoyed having different books read to them.
In November 2024, children had too few chances to revisit and strengthen essential skills, with writing the clearest concern. Practice matters. Introducing a skill is only part of the job; children also need opportunities to try it again. This is a useful focus when considering how the nursery prepares children for their next stage.
The nursery team includes a manager and nursery teaching assistants. In November 2024, early years adults understood the children individually and made them feel welcome. Children appeared comfortable and self-assured. Those relationships matter alongside the teaching: young children need adults who understand them as they begin learning together.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school says supporting each child is a responsibility shared by its staff. A SEND coordinator can be contacted through the school office or at senco@clifford.school, giving families a direct route for discussing their child's needs.
Safeguarding arrangements include regular staff training and enhanced DBS checks for appointments. Concerns can be raised through the school office with the designated safeguarding team, so families have a clear contact route.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority route. Suffolk County Council handles school admissions, and admission enquiries can be directed to its admissions team on 0345 600 0981.
Priority is usually given to children in public care and those living within the school's catchment area. Families should treat the nursery decision and the Reception application as separate steps, keeping the normal Reception application deadline in mind.
The nursery's morning hours are 8:45am to 11:45am. This collection time is the practical point to build into work and childcare arrangements.
For enquiries, contact the school office on 01473 251605 or email office@clifford.school. Visits can be arranged by telephone or email appointment. The address is Clifford Road, Ipswich, IP4 1PJ.
The morning session starts at 8:45am and finishes at 11:45am.
At the November 2024 inspection, children in the school's early years worked on counting to 10, cutting and letter formation, and enjoyed having different books read to them.
Early years provision was judged Requires improvement on 26 and 27 November 2024. Children needed more opportunities to practise essential skills, especially writing.
No. Families need a separate application through Suffolk County Council for Reception.
Telephone the school office on 01473 251605 or email office@clifford.school to arrange an appointment.
