Rowlatts Mead Primary Academy Nursery

Play, language and daily outdoor learning shape the nursery experience at Rowlatts Mead. This is part-time provision within the primary academy on Balderstone Close in Leicester, with a morning session that leaves the afternoon for care elsewhere. Its early years curriculum combines activities children choose themselves with learning guided by adults.

At the Ofsted inspection on 3 and 4 October 2023, early years provision was judged Outstanding. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Choice and adult guidance sit alongside each other. Children follow their interests through play, while structured activities give staff opportunities to develop language and introduce new learning. The emphasis is on widening children's experiences as well as building vocabulary, making communication a central part of the day.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning and personal development. Here, that means practising listening and speaking, managing feelings, building relationships and developing physical skills alongside early literacy and mathematics. Exploring the natural world and creating with materials are also part of the curriculum. Learning reaches beyond letters and numbers.

Read Write Inc provides the early years phonics approach. Stories also give activities a starting point: in October 2023, children in early years enjoyed story-linked learning, with opportunities to cooperate in play and take part in physical activities. These experiences connect communication with getting along with other children.

An outdoor learning area is accessible daily. This gives children a regular setting for learning beyond the classroom, rather than making outdoor time an occasional addition.

Settling begins before the first session. Families are invited to a transition meeting to discuss practical information and questions, while stay and play sessions help children become familiar with the people and surroundings. Home visits are also offered to families whose children are starting nursery.

Morning Task gives parents ten minutes to complete an activity with their child, with staff available for questions and support. Two formal parent meetings provide time to discuss progress and individual needs; occasional workshops focus on helping children with skills such as reading and writing. Parents have both informal contact and planned conversations.

For vulnerable children in the Early Years Foundation Stage, pre-entry support includes SENCo meetings with health visitors, the school nurse and the Early Years Support Team. This creates an opportunity to discuss needs ahead of the start. Early years relationship learning includes taking turns and expressing thoughts and feelings, giving children practical ways to manage interactions.

Nursery children receive free fruit, and milk is supplied without charge to children under five. Food containing nuts must not be brought into school, an important restriction when preparing anything from home.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception process, meeting its deadline. The route is an online application to Leicester City Council, so joining nursery should not be treated as completing the next admissions step.

The early years curriculum develops social and communication skills needed for the next stage. Learning to cooperate, speak and listen supports that preparation; it does not establish an admissions advantage.

Morning care. Nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am. Families need arrangements for the rest of the day: the academy's breakfast and after-school clubs serve Reception through Year 6.

Planning ahead. Contact the academy office in person or on 0116 276 8812 in the year before your child turns three. The academy then contacts families around Easter, in March or April, to confirm interest and explain the next steps. Nursery is often oversubscribed, so early contact matters.

Uniform applies across all age groups. Children wear a royal blue cardigan or jumper, dark grey or black trousers or a skirt, and black shoes. Unbranded uniform can be bought from major supermarkets.