Ermine Primary Academy Nursery Review

Books travel home in sacks at Ermine Primary Academy’s nursery, giving families something concrete to share beyond the classroom. Language and reading give this school nursery its clearest character. It forms part of the primary academy on Redbourne Drive in Lincoln.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 6 and 7 February 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Conversation is a substantial part of learning here. In February 2024, children in early years developed their language quickly, supported by staff with strong knowledge and teaching skills. For a young child, that means help building the vocabulary needed to explain an idea, ask a question or join a conversation.

Reading has a physical place in the classroom: each class has a reading corner. Nursery children also borrow sacks containing books for family reading. The combination links classroom stories with time spent reading together at home, giving parents a practical way to participate.

Read Write Inc is the reading programme used across the Foundation Stage. Its early sound games help children combine separate sounds into words, making the beginnings of reading something they can practise through play. The school also encourages parents to talk about what children are doing, share rhymes and revisit familiar stories. These are concrete ways to extend the language work beyond nursery.

Individual help is part of the early years provision. In February 2024, teaching assistants made a useful contribution to support tailored to children, alongside the knowledgeable teaching team. This matters for children who need an adult to help them take the next step in their learning.

For concerns about special educational needs or disabilities, the school’s starting point is a conversation with the class teacher. The SEN coordinator can then become involved. Support is chosen according to a child’s needs; targeted interventions are subject to selection criteria rather than parental choice. Families of children with additional needs can discuss preparation for joining with staff beforehand.

Accessibility across the school includes entrance ramps, a lift between its two levels and a hygiene suite containing a shower. These are practical features for families managing mobility or personal care needs. School staff receive child protection training and must pass concerns about possible harm or neglect to the designated safeguarding lead.

Good Lookin Cookin supplies school meals. Parents register and order with the caterer directly, which makes meal ordering a separate task from communication with school staff.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. The school application route is Lincolnshire County Council’s school admissions service.

Educational preparation is a separate matter: in February 2024, early years children were well equipped for their subsequent learning. That finding concerns readiness, not entitlement to admission.

For nursery enquiries, contact the academy office on 01522 781030 or email epaenquiries@harbourlearningtrust.com. The school is on Redbourne Drive, Lincoln, LN2 2HG.

School clothing is supplied by Uniform Direct on Lincoln’s High Street. The school asks families to label clothing, a simple practical step that helps belongings return to the right child.