Barley Croft Primary School Nursery

Curiosity shapes nursery life at Barley Croft: stories, conversation and outdoor exploration give children several ways to get involved. The Curiosity Approach sits alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with the school aiming to encourage wonder and discovery. Children become eligible from the term following their third birthday.

The nursery belongs to the school's early years base in Beaumont Leys, Leicester, and has a nursery teacher within the EYFS team. Its character is rooted in learning through play, with language and independence among the school's stated priorities.

Talking, listening and movement receive particular attention. In plain parent language, the EYFS priorities here mean helping children communicate, manage relationships and develop physical skills. Activities combine children's own choices with adult guidance, while planning responds to their interests and starting points. Play gives staff opportunities to observe learning and decide what to introduce next.

Early reading begins with listening and enjoying language. Foundations for Phonics brings together poems, stories, action rhymes and oral blending. Wordless Big Books introduce book handling and page turning. These are concrete first steps towards enjoying books, rather than a nursery day built around formal reading lessons.

Outdoor learning has its own place. Forest School sessions involve the early years children, and past activities have included learning fire safety and toasting marshmallows. In December 2024, Ofsted found that early years children benefited from woodland experiences involving insects and campfires, with adults who understood the learning children needed. That gives the outdoor activities an educational purpose beyond fresh air.

Indoors and outside, provision allows children to explore resources in different ways. Maths combines Power Maths with resources children can access independently, giving them opportunities to revisit ideas with adults or friends. Physical activities use outdoor equipment and challenges; Big Moves provides additional support for children who need help with movement skills.

Settling begins through contact with the family. A home visit follows the nursery application process, giving staff, parents and the child a chance to begin their relationship before attendance. Welcome meetings and stay-and-play sessions also form part of the early years start. Families have opportunities to take part, rather than simply hand over information.

Communication continues through Seesaw learning updates and Knowledge Organisers explaining learning and vocabulary. Parents can join classroom activities, and a member of the early years team is available at the door before or after school. An appointment can also be arranged through the office, providing another route for discussing concerns.

Language support includes Talk Boost, while the school's SEND arrangements include reviewing additional needs and keeping parents involved. At the December 2024 inspection, teaching in the school's mainstream classes was not always adapted sufficiently for pupils with SEND. This was a school-level concern. Families should discuss how provision will be matched to their child's needs. Families can contact the SENDCo through a form or by calling the office. These routes give parents a practical way to discuss their child's support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate online application through Leicester's local authority, which allocates places. For children starting Reception in the next admissions cycle, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as two separate decisions, and keep that deadline in the family calendar.

The nursery offers 15 funded hours under Universal Funding, or 30 hours through Extended Funding for eligible families. Those options give families different amounts of nursery attendance according to eligibility.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office in person, telephone 0116 235 9008 or email office@barleycroft.leicester.sch.uk. Staff help with the application and associated paperwork. Visits can be arranged through the office, giving parents an opportunity to see the provision before deciding.