Knighton Mead Primary Academy Nursery

Indoor and outdoor play, daily maths and a shared learning journal give Knighton Mead’s nursery its shape. Children aged 3–4 belong to the academy’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and take part in celebrations and events with the wider school. This is a nursery class within school life, with a morning session that ends before lunchtime.

Choice is built into the timetable. Children have time to move between play indoors and outside, choosing activities rather than spending the whole session following adult instructions. The nursery aims to develop independence through this approach. EYFS learning combines play, communication and early reading, writing and maths, with adults observing children’s activities and interactions to plan their next learning steps.

Read Write Inc. introduces the relationship between spoken sounds and written letters, including how letters are formed. Maths has daily lessons and group work, planned using White Rose Maths. These give the day an adult-led element alongside children’s choices. Science begins through Understanding the World, where exploration, investigation and play help children develop their knowledge. Nursery children also have opportunities to develop art skills and techniques.

Language deserves attention here. In March 2025, Ofsted identified helpful support for some early-years children’s communication, with staff helping them extend vocabulary and use words accurately. Early writing was less consistent: letter formation and other foundations needed more dependable teaching. For families, the useful distinction is between support for spoken language and the writing skills that still required attention.

Tapestry connects home with the nursery’s learning. Parents can see an online record of their child’s activities and add experiences from home, giving children familiar subjects to discuss during speaking and listening. Tapestry Challenges also invite families to complete activities together. That makes communication a two-way exchange, with parents contributing what they know about their child.

Additional support includes Fun Time, an early-years small group intervention for social interaction and communication. The school’s SEND arrangements include individual support plans called Pupil Outcome Passports, with parents involved in planning and reviewing support. Families of children on the SEND register are invited to three review meetings each year. External help can include the Early Years Support Team and Speech & Language Therapy Service.

The RB2L room provides a school-wide place for children to talk and regulate their feelings, supported by the pastoral team. For children joining with English as an additional language, the school allows time to learn routines and get to know adults and classmates before assessing their learning needs. A specialist teaching assistant supports English acquisition across the academy.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Leicester City Council’s online admissions route and meet the normal Reception deadline. Choosing the nursery and applying for full-time school are distinct decisions.

For children with SEND, additional transition support is arranged where needed. The school’s introduction arrangements include meetings with parents and discussions with the SENCo about concerns, giving families a practical way to prepare for a change of class or setting.

The nursery morning runs from 8:40am to 11:40am. Breakfast club admits nursery children and starts at 8:10am; a charge applies to this service. Ask the school for current charges. The earlier start may help with morning arrangements, but the nursery session still finishes before lunch.

Uniform applies throughout the school: black footwear, grey trousers or skirts, white tops and red jumpers or cardigans are among the options. Foldable bags are encouraged because cloakroom space is limited. For nursery enquiries, contact the academy office on 0116 2330666. School visits can be booked by phoning the office or sending a message to arrange an appointment.