Shenton Primary School Nursery Review

An open-plan nursery built for 39 children gives Shenton’s youngest learners their own space within the primary school. This is part-time provision for children aged 3 to 4, on Dunlin Road in Leicester. Children can begin in the term after their third birthday. Play, conversation and a gradual introduction to being away from home shape the experience here.

Children’s interests help shape the learning. Shenton follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which brings care and learning together: developing movement, language and relationships alongside early reading, number, creativity and understanding the world. Adults support children’s activity choices and introduce ideas during play, giving exploration a teaching purpose.

Learning happens outside as well as indoors. Nursery rhymes, stories and songs provide opportunities to hear and use language in both environments. The purpose-built, open-plan nursery is the concrete starting point; the curriculum also gives children opportunities to explore their surroundings and talk with adults and other children.

Early literacy has distinct teaching alongside that play. Daily phonics uses ALS Phonics: Letters and Sounds, while Shared Reading brings children together to discuss books, ask questions and predict what might happen. These activities connect listening and conversation with the beginnings of reading. Early writing is physical, too: threading, construction, climbing and working with dough help develop the coordination needed for pencil control. Making large marks gives children another way to practise those movements.

Settling is deliberately gradual. Nursery staff visit families at home before children start, giving parents a chance to discuss their child and learn about nursery life. Initially, parents stay while their child becomes comfortable. Short periods apart then increase according to the child’s confidence. This can take up to 6 weeks, so families should allow time for the process rather than expect immediate separation.

Communication continues after settling. Staff share individual learning moments with parents daily or weekly, with a formal progress discussion each term. Targets are matched to the child’s development. Workshops cover routines, behaviour, healthy eating and support with reading, writing and maths, giving families practical ways to continue learning at home.

School milk is free for children under 5. Parents are asked to begin toilet training before their child starts school, and staff can offer advice. For additional needs, families can arrange a conversation with the SEND coordinator through the office. The school site has wheelchair access and disabled toilets, providing a physical basis for discussing a child’s individual requirements. Across the school, staff undertake regular professional development.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal Leicester City Council route and meet the normal deadline. Treat that application as a separate task from nursery registration.

Continuity in learning is a different matter. EYFS themes and skill progression link nursery learning with Reception, allowing teaching to build on what children already know. That curriculum connection should not be mistaken for an admissions advantage.

The nursery morning runs from 8.40am to 11.40am, Monday to Friday, for 15 hours per week. Shenton offers a fully funded 15-hour nursery place for eligible 3-year-olds, with entry from the term after the third birthday. The morning finish matters for families arranging care around work: plan collection for 11.40am.

To register, complete the nursery admission form and return it to the school; staff then contact families about a suitable start date. Enquiries can go to the office on 0116 2628778 or office@shenton.leicester.sch.uk. Translation into several languages can be arranged through the office, making it easier to discuss practical questions.

Collection must be by a responsible adult aged 16 or above. The staff car park is not for parent parking, and Dunlin Road is narrow with a dead end. Families driving are asked to park a few streets away and walk the remaining distance.