Al-Aqsa School Nursery Review

Familiar stories, role play and practical maths give Al-Aqsa’s nursery its character within an independent Islamic school in Leicester. The provision takes three- and four-year-olds, with boys and girls learning together. Its early years children share a site with the primary provision; the secondary site is next door. That places the nursery alongside the school’s younger children.

At the January 2025 inspection, 47 children attended the nursery. This was attendance at that time, rather than a measure of available places. Early years provision received a Good judgement. The school describes its educational approach as integrating Islamic perspectives into subjects, with an emphasis on the Qur’an and character development. Families are choosing a faith-based educational context as well as a nursery session.

Storytelling gives children something concrete to listen to, talk about and act out. In January 2025, children enjoyed familiar tales and rhymes, including Billy Goat Gruff, and used role play to revisit them. Story time supported language development: the activity connected listening with opportunities to use language through play.

Practical activities also introduced mathematical ideas such as capacity. This gives the learning a hands-on dimension alongside stories and rhymes. The early years curriculum brought together language and mathematical learning through activities children could take part in, rather than relying solely on explanation.

Adult questions helped children extend their thinking, but the support was uneven. In January 2025, conversations during play did not consistently develop the learning being taught, leaving some children with fewer opportunities to strengthen their understanding. This is the significant qualification to the positive early years judgement. The next step was more consistent discussion across the different areas of learning, so that play helped children retain more of what they had learned.

Adult interaction is an important part of the nursery experience. In January 2025, adults generally engaged well with children and used questions to develop their thinking. For families, the distinction is between an adult joining an activity and using that exchange to deepen understanding. The improvement needed concerned the consistency of those learning conversations during play.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Treat the nursery decision and the Reception application as separate tasks: choosing a nursery session does not settle the later admissions decision.

Morning and afternoon sessions were operating in January 2025, with a few children attending both. That session structure is relevant for families considering part-day attendance or combining the two sessions.

For enquiries, contact the school on 0116 276 0953 or email admin@alaqsaschool.co.uk. An online application form is available, alongside a printable option that can be submitted by post or in person. Completed paper applications go to the school’s main address, The Wayne Way, Leicester LE5 4PP. These options give families a choice of application method.