Inglehurst Infant School Nursery Review

Stories, conversation and growing independence give Starfish Nursery its character. This is Inglehurst Infant School’s nursery class in Leicester, taking children aged three who turn four during the school year. Nursery belongs to the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with a choice of morning, afternoon or full-time attendance.

In the inspection published on 12 May 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children developed their communication, early literacy and independence, with teaching responding to their starting points. For parents, the emphasis is on the foundations children need to participate in learning.

Talk runs through adult-led activities, small groups and play. The EYFS combines learning and care: here, children practise listening, sharing, movement and early mathematical ideas alongside stories and mark-making. Staff extend conversations, demonstrate skills and introduce vocabulary while children explore indoors and outside. Practical mathematics uses a mastery approach, giving children opportunities to reason and solve problems.

Twice-daily story sessions sit alongside Dough disco, drawing and oral blending, where children hear sounds combined into words. Writing has everyday purposes: children make shopping lists in the home corner and give meaning to their drawings. These activities connect early literacy with play rather than treating it as an isolated task.

Topics include Under the sea and How does your garden grow. The nursery curriculum also includes practising scissors, handling mark-making tools and managing coats and shoes. School grounds include a small spinney and a lawned garden, alongside spaces for outdoor learning. Indoor and outdoor exploration both form part of early years provision.

The inspection published on 12 May 2026 described early years children talking with confidence, recalling activities and explaining their learning. Nursery teaching concentrated on listening and early language. Adults used repeated stories and discussion to help children build the words needed to express their ideas.

An induction period gives children, families and staff time to become acquainted at the start of nursery. Parents can discuss concerns with staff beyond scheduled meetings. Toilet learning is undertaken with families, while washing hands, dressing and eating independently are part of the nursery curriculum. Care routines become learning opportunities too.

Fruit is provided through the Fruit Scheme. Milk can be ordered through Cool Milk and is free for children under five. Children may bring a named water bottle; additional snacks must be unprocessed vegetables or fruit, with nuts and seeds excluded.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), classrooms use picture labels, visual timetables and predictable routines. The SEND coordinator holds the National Award for SEND Co ordination. Support planning involves families, with progress reviewed and strategies adjusted. These arrangements help parents contribute what they know about their child and make the day easier to understand.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate online application through Leicester City Council admissions, including families whose children already attend Starfish Nursery. Treat that application as a separate step in planning your child’s next year.

For children with SEND moving between classes within the school, transition support includes staff handovers, classroom visits and photo packs or booklets. Extra visits can support children who need them. This helps with familiarity; it does not change the admissions process.

Morning sessions run from 8:30 to 11:30, afternoons from 12:00 to 15:00, and full-time attendance from 8:30 to 15:00. Families choose every morning or every afternoon; both are possible for those eligible for 30 free childcare hours or choosing to pay for full-time attendance. Contact the school for current charges.

For nursery enquiries, call 0116 2622479 or complete an application at the school reception, bringing your child’s full birth certificate. Collection arrangements require an up-to-date authorised pickup list, and collectors must be over 16. Keep contact numbers current so staff can reach you if your child becomes unwell.