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Nursery at Heatherbrook 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Bread baking, caterpillars and outdoor discovery give Heatherbrook's nursery its character. Children aged two to four attend this school-based provision in Beaumont Leys, Leicester, with term-time care and outdoor play space. Shared facilities and specialist staff connect the nursery with the wider primary school, while its learning programme has its own stories, seasonal themes and practical experiences.
At the inspection on 20 and 21 March 2024, Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.
Play and exploration shape the learning approach. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings, move confidently and develop early literacy and number skills. Here, that means practising longer sentences, discussing stories and learning how actions affect other people's emotions. These are useful foundations for expressing needs and playing alongside other children.
Early mathematics includes exploring quantities from three to five, making repeating patterns and comparing shapes. Literacy work includes recognising sounds in simple words and practising writing a name. Children also use cutting tools and work on balance and climbing, bringing physical development into the learning day.
Seasonal experiences make the curriculum tangible. Growing seeds and watching caterpillars hatch give children living things to observe; making bird feeders and hunting for minibeasts take discovery outdoors. Bread and porridge feature among the cooking experiences. Books include The tiny seed and Sharing a shell, linking stories with growth and the seaside.
Outdoor space supports play and exploration. Planned activities include building a wormery, drawing shadows and creating an outdoor beach, so learning about nature and weather involves doing things as well as talking about them.
Familiarity can begin before nursery entry. Free baby and toddler sessions are open before a child turns two and to families considering joining, giving children opportunities to meet staff and get to know the setting. Settling also features in the opening autumn curriculum themes, alongside children themselves and their families.
In March 2024, children in early years were happy, understood their routines and showed enthusiasm for learning; staff provided caring relationships and emphasised communication and vocabulary. For parents, predictable routines and attention to language are relevant to both everyday confidence and expressing feelings.
Support for additional needs starts with considering the individual child. Families can contact the school's SENCo through the office to discuss support. The school's dine@Heatherbrook catering service prepares food on site and can provide nutritional and allergen information. It also accommodates allergies and cultural food preferences, a useful consideration for families discussing meals.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through their home local authority's normal admissions round. For Leicester City residents, that means the council's online application route.
For the 2026/27 intake, nursery attendance did not confer oversubscription priority. The proposed deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027; families should confirm the final deadline with their home local authority. Familiarity with the school and the allocation of a place are separate matters.
Funded and paid places are offered for children aged two, three and four, including 15 or 30 funded hours for eligible families. The school office handles eligibility enquiries. New starters receive free school uniform.
Register nursery interest using the enquiry form. School visits can be arranged by calling the office on 0116 2357721; general enquiries can also go to hea-office@heatherbrook.lwlat.org.uk.
Children aged two to four can attend.
The nursery offers term-time care.
Yes. Funded and paid places are offered, including 15 and 30 funded hours for eligible families.
No. Parents must apply separately through their home local authority. Nursery attendance did not confer oversubscription priority for the 2026/27 intake.
Yes. Free baby and toddler sessions let children meet staff and become familiar with the setting before nursery entry, including before they turn two.
