Arnesby Church of England Primary School Nursery

A village primary setting with a Church of England identity gives Arnesby's nursery its context. The provision belongs to Arnesby Church of England Primary School on Mill Hill Road, rather than being a separate nursery. The school's age range begins at 3. Arnesby describes curiosity, independence and respect as values it wants children to develop, giving families a sense of its intended approach to early learning.

Curriculum consistency is the central consideration here. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Requires improvement at the inspection on 19 and 20 September 2023. In September 2023, planning and teaching across the wider early years curriculum varied, and adults sometimes gave children insufficient help to develop their own thinking and learning. Some children were also insufficiently prepared for the next stage of learning.

The improvement required was specific: make the sequence of learning clearer, including what children should learn and when. This matters beyond the activities themselves. A purposeful nursery day needs adults to understand how each experience connects to children's developing knowledge. For parents weighing this provision, curriculum organisation deserves close attention.

Support for additional needs follows the school's assess, plan, do and review cycle. Teachers retain responsibility for children's progress, with the SEND coordinator helping organise provision. Possible adaptations include visual timetables, extra processing time and individual work. These give a concrete picture of the school's intended support arrangements, rather than a promise that every child receives the same intervention.

Induction meetings give parents an opportunity to discuss identified special educational needs. Where concerns persist, parents are involved in considering further assessment and support. The school can also seek specialist help, including speech and language therapists and the Early Years SEND Inclusion Team. For a child needing additional support, this creates a route for sharing concerns and agreeing next steps.

Milk is offered through the Cool Milk Scheme and is free for children under five. Families register with the scheme for their child to receive it.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. It also gives no priority under the school's 2027-28 oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home local authority, using its Common Application Form. For local residents, that authority is Leicestershire.

For entry in August 2027, the application deadline is 23:59 on 15 January 2027. Keep that application separate from arrangements for nursery attendance: choosing the nursery does not replace the application or change how a Reception place is allocated.

Contact the school office at office@arnesby.embracemat.org or on 0116 2478563 for enquiries. School tours can be booked, providing an opportunity to meet staff and explore the grounds. Use that visit to discuss how the early years curriculum is organised and how support would work for your child. For SEND enquiries, the office email also provides a route to the school's SEND coordinator.