The Priory Witham Academy Nursery Review

Curiosity shapes the early years approach at The Priory Witham Academy: children’s interests guide exploration, with learning taking place both inside and outdoors. This is the academy’s own pre-school provision on De Wint Avenue in Lincoln, organised into three age groups rather than one undifferentiated nursery intake.

Pre-nursery takes two-year-olds until the start of the term before their third birthday. Nursery then covers children from that point until the end of the school year before they turn four. The pre-reception group is for children turning four during the school year. These distinctions matter when identifying which part of the provision your child would join.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for learning. The academy’s approach starts with children’s development and the interests that prompt them to investigate. In practical terms, exploration and adult conversation work together: children have opportunities to pursue an interest, while adults help extend their thinking and learning.

Indoor and outdoor provision combines resources children can return to with additions that extend their experiences. The academy aims to use direct experiences and respectful relationships to encourage curiosity. For parents, the emphasis is on learning through exploration, supported by interaction with adults.

In May 2023, the early years findings highlighted thoughtfully selected resources for imaginative activity, children’s enjoyment of creative play, and adults encouraging conversation and vocabulary. Language development therefore sits alongside making, playing and exploring. Swimming and forest school visits also featured in the early years experience at that time, taking activity beyond the classroom.

For concerns about special educational needs or disabilities, families have a designated academy SEND team and access to the SENCO. The SENCO is a qualified teacher with experience in special educational needs. That gives parents an identified contact for discussing concerns about their child’s needs.

Language support has its own coordination across the academy. An EAL Coordinator works with families, pupils and staff, providing a point of contact for children learning English as an additional language. This is an academy-wide arrangement.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Pre-school and the rest of the academy have separate admission processes, so families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the relevant deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two distinct decisions.

Applications for pre-school go directly to the academy. Eligible children can take funded places of 15 or 30 hours per week, and paid places are also offered. Eligibility matters: the funded hours are conditional, rather than an entitlement attached automatically to a nursery place.

General enquiries can be made on 01522 882900 or by emailing generalenquiries@priorywitham.co.uk. Reception staff answer questions and emails between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. This gives families a direct contact route for nursery enquiries.