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Nursery at Magdalen Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Outdoor learning and quickly established routines give Magdalen Academy’s early years provision its clearest character. The preschool serves three- and four-year-olds at the academy on Park Crescent in Magdalen, near King’s Lynn. It is part of the school, with 15-hour and 30-hour funded places, giving families two funding options to consider.
Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 8 and 9 May 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The outdoor learning space is a substantive part of the early years experience. In May 2024, children benefited from outdoor resources, established routines quickly and followed clearly sequenced learning. For a young child, that combines room to explore with a predictable framework for the day.
Adults checked understanding and adapted their responses to both children’s interests and areas needing more attention. Learning therefore had direction while allowing children’s curiosity to shape the next step. Teaching across early years was effective, and children achieved highly.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) includes exploration of technology and learning about differences between places and communities. These give children opportunities to investigate how things work and begin understanding a world beyond their immediate surroundings.
Support for additional needs sits within the academy’s arrangements for working with families. Parents can raise developmental concerns with the class teacher; staff assess needs with parents and involve outside professionals where appropriate. This gives families a route into a discussion about support rather than leaving concerns solely at home.
Widgit symbols support communication through visual timetables, individual communication aids and social stories. Norfolk STEPS guides the school’s response to behaviour, with staff trained to understand its causes and calm difficult situations through constructive communication. These are school-wide approaches, rather than a separate nursery programme.
Where additional provision is needed, parents help develop a SEN Support Plan, reviewed at least termly. Support can include language modelling, extra resources and preparation for changes in routine. A full-time Parent Support Advisor works across the three academies, giving families another point of support. Safeguarding concerns involving possible abuse are referred to Children’s Services.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Norfolk County Council’s online school admissions route by the normal deadline. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the academy’s admission criteria, so choosing the preschool should be a decision about the early years experience itself.
Transition support is a separate matter. Before Reception starts, children and parents are invited to meet the teacher and teaching assistant and become familiar with the setting. Children subsequently spend a half day and a full day in their new class. This staged introduction helps make the next classroom familiar; it does not change admission rights.
The preschool has both 15-hour and 30-hour funded places. For preschool enquiries, contact the school office on 01553 810326 or email office@mag.unity-ed.uk.
The academy sets its own calendar, with some dates differing from Norfolk’s model. Check the school’s term dates before making holiday commitments. This matters for families coordinating childcare with siblings or work.
The preschool caters for three- and four-year-olds.
Yes. Magdalen Academy offers 15-hour and 30-hour funded preschool places.
Early years provision was graded Good at the school’s inspection on 8 and 9 May 2024. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection.
No. Nursery attendance neither guarantees a place nor gives priority under the academy’s admission criteria. Apply separately through Norfolk County Council’s online school admissions route.
Speak to the class teacher. Where additional support is needed, parents are involved in planning it, and SEN Support Plans are reviewed at least termly.
