Dersingham Primary School Nursery

Continual outdoor access gives Dersingham’s nursery its clearest character: children have an outdoor environment available alongside a refurbished setting. Places cater for two-year-olds and children aged three and four, bringing the youngest children into the primary school community.

In November 2023, the nursery had provision for 25 children. That is a dated nursery figure, rather than the capacity of the whole school. For families choosing an early start here, the combination of outdoor access and an individual key person is the practical attraction: space to explore, with a particular adult supporting each child’s development.

The nursery day runs from 08:30 to 15:00. Its lunchtime has two distinct parts: eating between 11:30 and 12:00, followed by play until 12:30. This gives families a concrete picture of the middle of the day, with time for both food and activity.

Outdoor access is continual, rather than confined to a single scheduled break. The refurbished setting and outdoor environment give children indoor and outdoor spaces within their nursery day.

In November 2023, Ofsted found that planned nursery activities helped children develop vocabulary and understand their surroundings. The emphasis is on language and making sense of everyday experiences. Nursery teachers also discuss environmental ideas with children and pass their suggestions to the Eco-Council, giving younger children a way to contribute to school discussions about caring for the environment.

Every child has an allocated key person who supports learning and development and regularly discusses progress with parents. Regular messages through the parent communication system add another connection between nursery and home. Together, these arrangements give parents both a particular adult to talk to and ongoing updates.

The nursery describes its staff as experienced and says it supports families through settling in and transition. Across the school, a Family Support Worker supports families, while the SENDCO provides a contact for additional learning needs.

SEND support. In November 2023, school leaders were not checking the impact of support consistently enough for some pupils with SEND, leaving some without sufficiently precise help. This was a school-wide concern; families considering nursery support should keep the review of their child’s progress central to discussions with staff.

Operation Encompass links the school with Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk Children’s Services to support pupils affected by domestic violence at home. Designated safeguarding leads decide what support a child needs after receiving information.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

The nursery says it supports transition arrangements. That support concerns children’s experience of change; it does not secure admission.

Funding options, subject to eligibility, include funded two-year-old places and 30 funded hours for three-year-olds. Visits can be arranged in advance through the school office. Contact 01485 540308 to make an enquiry or arrange an appointment.

At Admirals Drive, visitors can use the visitors’ car park. There are two disabled parking spaces, and disabled access extends throughout the school, useful practical details for families planning a visit.