Highfields Primary School Nursery Review

Playdough, block building and bicycle pedals give Highfields’ nursery a practical character. Children have space to make things, explore sounds and tackle physical challenges, with learning organised around both their interests and activities led by adults.

For children aged 3 to 4, the nursery forms Foundation Stage 1 at Highfields Primary School on Pluto Close in Leicester. Places are part time, providing 15 hours. This is the school’s own nursery, with a Foundation team that includes a nursery teacher who also leads the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), teaching assistants and a Level 3 teaching assistant.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 5 and 6 November 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

A balance of adult guidance and children’s choices shapes the day. The EYFS curriculum combines opportunities to communicate, develop physical skills and learn through exploration. A fresh theme each half term provides a starting point, while children’s ideas can influence activities. Timetables change as their needs and next steps change.

Indoors, children can use the small world area, build with blocks, explore playdough or take part in role play. Creative stations give them another way to express ideas. Skills introduced by adults can then be tried again during play, connecting directed learning with children’s own experiments. Foundation Stage construction activities include choosing tools and joining materials to make something with a purpose.

Early reading starts with listening. In November 2024, nursery children practised distinguishing sounds, giving them a starting point for phonics. The school uses ALS: Letters and Sound for early reading and writing. Outdoor equipment adds a different challenge: children worked at pedalling bicycles and developed confidence through persistence.

Language teaching needs attention too. In November 2024, some adult conversations extended children’s vocabulary, including discussion of autumn leaves, but support for communication was inconsistent. Early writing also needed clearer foundations, more practice and tasks suited to children’s stage of learning. For parents, these are useful areas to discuss alongside the nursery’s play and reading activities.

Settling was a strength in November 2024: early years children adjusted promptly and became familiar with routines. Parents also joined their children to read familiar books at the start of the day. Foundation Stage family sessions take place twice a week, combining shared reading with activities involving making marks or using small hand movements. That gives parents a practical role in learning.

In November 2024, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who needed extra help with physical development received it during Big Moves. In November 2024, needs were recognised promptly and learning was adjusted successfully. Parents can discuss concerns with the class teacher or SEND coordinator; the school can involve the Early Years Support Team and speech and language therapy. Individual Education Plans or Passports set personal targets, reviewed each term with contributions from families and supporting adults.

Access across the school includes wide doors and ramps alongside stepped areas. These are concrete features for families considering a child’s mobility needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal local authority process.

For the 2025-26 admission arrangements, applications went to the local authority where the family lived, using the Common Application Form, by 15 January. Nursery attendance did not confer priority under those arrangements. For Leicester families, the school directs Reception applications online through Leicester City Council.

Familiarity is separate from allocation. In November 2024, nursery children played alongside older Reception children on outdoor equipment, with the older children modelling behaviour. That provides contact across the age groups, rather than an admissions advantage.

Nursery places are allocated by the school. When demand exceeds places, children join a waiting list in application order, and the school contacts families when a place opens. Enquiries can go to office@highfields-pri.leicester.sch.uk or 0116 253 1382.

School uniform combines a light blue shirt or polo with a jumper, cardigan or fleece, plus grey or black bottoms. Black shoes that children can fasten themselves support independence. Label clothing and footwear so staff can identify belongings.