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Nursery at Abbey Mead Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play moves between indoors and outdoors at Abbey Mead, with children choosing activities alongside learning guided by adults. This is the nursery for three and four-year-olds within Abbey Mead Primary Academy in Leicester, rather than a separate childcare setting. Its character centres on growing independence and communication.
At the Ofsted inspection on 5 and 6 March 2024, early years provision was rated Outstanding. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Choice shapes the session. Children have time to move between indoor and outdoor play, while adults also lead learning experiences matched to children's interests and needs. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings, build relationships and develop physical skills. Here, play gives children opportunities to practise those skills and become more independent.
In March 2024, early years children developed their communication and social skills rapidly, with activities pitched to their developmental stage and interests. Familiar routines helped them engage readily with learning. For parents, the useful combination is predictable structure with room for individual interests.
Learning about relationships starts with taking turns and expressing feelings and ideas. Children are also encouraged to question gender stereotypes. These are practical foundations for playing alongside others, handling disagreements and making themselves understood.
Settling begins with contact between home and school. New families receive a home visit, giving staff time to learn about the family and speak with the child in familiar surroundings. September starters join gradually over the first 2 to 3 weeks of term, so families should plan for a phased beginning. Early years children settled promptly in March 2024.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), preparation includes the Early Years Support Team, with the nursery teacher and SENDCo taking part in a review meeting before the child starts. This creates an opportunity to plan support before nursery begins. Parents of children on the SEND register are invited to termly meetings to discuss their child's provision.
The Rainbow Room serves EYFS children with additional needs. Its learning combines the EYFS with individual plans, and children also spend explorer time in the main early years classrooms. Adult-supported play develops interaction and communication, including communication through visuals. A sensory room is accessible to all children, providing another space within the school's support arrangements.
Home reading has a link with nursery life too: EYFS parents are encouraged to share photographs of reading at home through Dojo.
A separate application matters. Attending the nursery neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives nursery-based priority. Families must apply again through Leicester City Council's online admissions process. The deadline is published annually and is usually mid-January; submit by the specified date for the relevant intake.
Transition support is a separate matter from allocation. Nursery staff work with Reception colleagues at the child's chosen or allocated school and pass on reports and appropriate records. That exchange helps the receiving team understand the child, whichever school offers the place.
Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; the afternoon session is 12.30pm to 3.30pm. These give families two distinct parts of the day around which to organise other care.
For three and four-year-olds, the funded entitlement is 15 hours each week across 38 weeks of the year. Eligible families can access 30-hour funded places, with both parents required to be in employment. Contact the school office on 0116 266 1809 for nursery registration and session enquiries.
Nursery registration starts with a waiting-list form, or staff can take details at the school office. After Easter, families receive email links to complete the application. Accepting a place carries an expectation of attendance for the remainder of the school year.
The nursery serves three and four-year-olds. The September intake is for children who will turn four during that school year.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, and afternoon sessions from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
There is a 15-hour weekly entitlement for three and four-year-olds across 38 weeks. Thirty-hour funded places are offered to eligible families, with both parents required to be in employment.
No. Nursery attendance gives neither a guarantee nor nursery-based priority. A separate online application through Leicester City Council is required by the annually specified deadline, usually mid-January.
New families receive a home visit, and September entry is staggered over the first 2 to 3 weeks. For children with SEND, the nursery teacher and SENDCo attend a review meeting before entry with the Early Years Support Team involved.
