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Nursery at The Rushmere Park Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play dough instructions and a diary of newly hatched ducks give Rushmere Park's early years a practical, memorable character. Learning combines conversation, play and familiar routines, with staff helping children develop confidence alongside early number skills. Small achievements count, including those of quieter children.
The nursery and pre-school cater for two- and three-year-olds within The Rushmere Park Academy's school registration, on East Street in Leighton Buzzard. A nursery lead teacher works alongside nursery practitioners and an apprentice. The early years leadership role also includes responsibility for early years SEND and deputy safeguarding duties, bringing teaching and care responsibilities together.
Ofsted's April 2026 inspection judged early years to be Strong standard. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Morning and afternoon sessions give the day two clear starting points. Within early years, adults assess children's understanding and use it to decide what to teach next. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines requirements for learning and development with children's welfare: care routines and learning belong together.
Conversation has a clear purpose. Staff extend vocabulary and encourage children to speak, while praise helps less confident children participate. Play about the monarchy connects knowledge of the world with creative and physical development. These are activities with something to learn, rather than simply something to occupy children.
Making play dough involves listening to instructions and sustaining attention. A class diary about ducklings helps children remember and discuss earlier experiences. Staff return to previous learning, giving children further chances to retain it. These examples come from the wider early years provision. In the nursery itself, children are introduced to phonics, beginning their encounter with the sounds used in reading.
In April 2026, early years care routines kept children safe, and meals took place in an orderly, calm atmosphere. Familiar routines also helped children feel secure, handle emotions and do more for themselves. Independence develops through the ordinary parts of the day as well as planned activities.
Additional needs receive attention within daily early years teaching. Staff provide extra assistance for children with additional needs and for those learning English as another language. Families registering nursery interest can share medical or educational needs and information that will help their child settle.
Parents concerned about development can use the school's Additional Needs Referral Form; the SENCO or assistant SENCO then discusses support with them. The school premises include wide corridors, a ramp and two accessible toilets, practical features relevant to families considering physical access.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal local-authority process by the normal deadline. For Central Bedfordshire residents, the route is Central Bedfordshire Council's common application process. Nursery attendance confers no priority for the 2027-2028 intake.
Preparation for the move is a separate matter. Children moving from nursery to Reception have a two-day transition programme, with further visits offered to children with SEND. This gives children time to become familiar with their next setting; it does not change the admissions decision.
Sessions run Monday to Friday, from 8:45am to 11:45am or from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Families register interest by selecting the sessions they want and indicating their preferred start. The funding questions distinguish local-authority funding for two- and three-year-olds and include a field for a 30-hour code.
Early years uniform includes a branded polo shirt and a sweatshirt or cardigan. Nursery children can wear bottoms and footwear appropriate to their developmental stage. This gives families flexibility over the clothes children move and play in.
Use the nursery registration form to enquire, or contact the office on 01525 372096 or office@therushmereparkacademy.co.uk. School tours can be arranged through the office.
The school runs nursery and pre-school provision for two- and three-year-olds under its school registration.
Monday to Friday, mornings run from 8:45am to 11:45am and afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
No. Nursery attendance gives no priority for the 2027-2028 intake and does not guarantee a place. Families apply separately through the normal local-authority route.
There is a two-day transition programme for children moving from nursery to Reception, with additional visits offered to children with SEND.
The April 2026 inspection judged the school's early years provision to be Strong standard. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection, not a separate nursery grade.
