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Nursery at Merrydale Infant School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Conversation, early reading foundations and learning to share give Merrydale’s nursery its character. This is the nursery within Merrydale Infant School on Claydon Road in Leicester, with children joining from age three. Morning and afternoon sessions provide two distinct parts of the day for families to consider.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 21 and 22 November 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately graded nursery. The nursery-specific detail is useful: children were building foundations for reading and becoming familiar with school routines.
Communication has a clear place in the learning. In November 2023, early years activities emphasised conversation and developing vocabulary. For a young child, that means learning involves expressing ideas as well as acquiring new knowledge. The curriculum began in early years, with attention to the sequence of skills and knowledge, giving these first experiences a place in the school’s wider teaching.
Reading preparation starts in the nursery. By November 2023, children had already developed many of the foundations they would need for learning to read. Across early years, children enjoyed phonics practice. This gives families a concrete picture of learning that combines language development with attention to letter sounds.
The early years foundation stage also includes learning how to be part of a group. Children practised sharing and taking turns, alongside getting used to expectations and routines. Those small social steps matter: joining in and allowing another child a turn are part of the learning, too.
Relationships helped children settle in November 2023. Nursery and Reception staff developed supportive connections with children and helped them adjust readily to routines. Children in early years were confident and curious, linking the care they received with their willingness to participate in learning.
Physical access deserves attention alongside classroom support. The school building occupies a single level and accommodates wheelchair users. Accessible toilets are provided both outdoors and indoors, with a parking bay for disabled access. These are practical features for children or accompanying adults who need accessible facilities.
For families discussing additional needs, the school welcomes contact about a child’s circumstances and invites parents to look around. That creates an opportunity to discuss the child as an individual before joining.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions route and meet the deadline for their entry year. Confirm the current application route and deadline for your child’s entry year. Treat that application as a separate decision from choosing nursery sessions.
The morning session runs from 8.40am to 11.30am; the afternoon session runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. These are the nursery’s two session patterns, so the relevant start and finish times are the first practical consideration when planning family routines.
Nursery enquiries go through the school on 0116 276 7593. Parents can also contact the office at office@merrydale-inf.leicester.sch.uk. The school is on Claydon Road, Leicester, LE5 0PL.
Children join from age three.
Morning sessions run from 8.40am to 11.30am. Afternoon sessions run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
The November 2023 early years findings emphasised communication, vocabulary, phonics and learning to share and take turns. Nursery children were developing foundations for reading.
No. Families need a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route, meeting the deadline for their entry year. Confirm the current application route and deadline for your child’s entry year.
Call 0116 276 7593 or email office@merrydale-inf.leicester.sch.uk. The school also welcomes contact from families wanting to discuss additional needs or look around.
