Greenfield Primary School Nursery Review

Three outdoor spaces, two large rooms and woodland for Forest School give Greenfield Pre-School a day with room to move. This is Greenfield Primary School's own nursery provision in Countesthorpe, accepting children from their third birthday when a place is available. Its purpose-built accommodation sits beside the Foundation Stage block, with a shared space for stories and play alongside the main rooms.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 16 and 17 April 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play connects the learning here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical development and social confidence with early reading, maths, creative work and exploring the world. These areas overlap through activities rather than forming a timetable of separate subjects. A typical session combines children registering themselves, choosing activities, working in groups, listening to stories, singing and having snacks.

Large doors let children move between the building and playground. Outdoors, the front garden, rear play area and mud garden offer different places to explore; bikes, trikes and toy cars add movement and pretend play. Forest School uses the school's woodland, while other curriculum enhancements include Mini-Masterchefs and Active Bean. There is practical variety beyond the classroom.

Books also lead into hands-on experiences. In April 2024, pre-school children made fruit smoothies connected to The Very Hungry Caterpillar, giving a story a tangible connection with food. Across early years, children became familiar with routines quickly and approached activities with confidence. They listened attentively and managed their behaviour well, helping them take part calmly in shared learning.

Each child has a key worker who learns their preferences and builds a relationship with the family. An Early Years teacher leads the provision and key-worker team and is also a qualified Forest School practitioner. Regular conversations are supplemented by eyLog, which shares observations and progress and lets parents message the pre-school. Arbor carries whole-school communications and invoices.

Settling starts with two sessions: one lasting an hour, the other two hours. These are charged and agreed with the Early Years teacher. Families can choose a session before funding begins or an earlier collection during the first week; further settling sessions can be discussed where needed.

Food is cooked on site. Fruit with milk or water accompanies morning and afternoon snacks, and lunch offers a hot meat or vegetarian dish with dessert. Drinking water remains accessible through the day. Allergy and intolerance diets can be accommodated after discussion with staff; families cannot supply their own food because of allergy risks.

Support and attendance. Children's needs are discussed before entry, followed by assessment during their first month. A start may be delayed while support is arranged, and hours may be reduced with a gradual increase. In some cases a place cannot be offered; very rarely, an existing place may be withdrawn following discussion. Families needing additional support should weigh these conditions carefully.

Attending Greenfield Pre-School does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Leicestershire Local Authority. For children starting in September 2027, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Familiarity with the school and admission to it are separate questions.

The 2026 transition programme included stories with Foundation Stage teachers, playground visits and classroom play with a parent or carer. Pre-school children also use the dining hall and the school hall for Active Bean, making those spaces familiar. For children moving elsewhere, receiving teachers are invited to visit and discuss the child's needs. These arrangements support the handover whichever school comes next.

From September 2026, the school-day session runs from 8.45am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday. Families choose term time over 38 weeks or a 40-week arrangement including the summer holiday club. Eligible FEEE funding is claimed across 38 weeks for the first option and stretched across 40 for the second.

From the term following their third birthday, children have a universal entitlement of 15 funded hours weekly; eligible working families can access up to 30. Meals, snacks, consumables, curriculum enhancements and wraparound care attract supplementary charges. Contact the pre-school office for current charges.

During term time, Breakfast Club runs from 7.30am to 8.45am; After School Club runs from 3.25pm to 6pm, with a 5pm collection option. Pre-school children can attend with pre-school staff. The club is often oversubscribed, so apply early. Place enquiries lead to an arranged visit: call 0116 2773584, option 2, or email preschool@greenfield.leics.sch.uk. Collection is restricted to authorised adults; staff contact a parent before releasing a child to someone outside the registered pick-up list.