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Nursery at Carlton Colville Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, action rhymes and listening games give Carlton Colville’s nursery a clear focus on language before formal reading. Elephants Class takes children from age 3 and forms part of Carlton Colville Primary School on Gisleham Road in Lowestoft. A nursery manager sits within the school’s early years team, alongside an EYFS leadership role.
Early reading starts with hearing and using language. Through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, nursery children share poems and stories, practise rhymes with actions and develop their attention through listening activities. Activities also include oral blending. The emphasis is on foundations for later reading, giving children practice with spoken language before they tackle written words.
Child-led experiences sit alongside activities guided by adults. The nursery’s work covers communication, language and literacy within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), so children have opportunities both to follow their interests and to join planned learning. Books for enjoyment also go home during the early years for parents and carers to read aloud. Sharing a book is part of the experience; children still learning the phonics programme are not expected to read these books independently.
The wider school site includes a Forest School area, an Anglo-Saxon-inspired roundhouse and an Anderson shelter. These are distinctive features of the school surroundings, separate from the nursery’s language activities.
A daily fruit or vegetable snack is provided to nursery children through the National Fruit Scheme, free of charge. Children bring a labelled water bottle, which they can refill at school. Drinks are restricted to water. This gives families a straightforward snack and drinking routine to prepare for.
For additional needs or difficulties at home, the school has an on-site SENCo and pastoral team. Early Help covers concerns including bereavement, housing difficulties, mental health and a child’s emotional or physical wellbeing. Support can include referral or signposting to health services, Suffolk Young Carers or mental health services. The family assessment process is voluntary, giving parents a route to seek support when problems first arise.
A separate application is essential. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through Suffolk County Council’s normal Reception admissions process, using the online CAF 1 form. The closing date is early January. Plan for that application independently of the nursery place; joining Elephants Class does not remove this step.
Nursery applications go directly to the school, with the completed nursery application form returned there. General enquiries can be made to the office on 01502 572682 or by email at office@carltoncolvilleprimary.co.uk.
Preloved uniform is available free to all school families by emailing preloveduniform@carltoncolvilleprimary.co.uk. Clothing should be labelled so misplaced items can be returned. Together with the named water bottle, this is a useful practical preparation before a child starts.
The nursery accepts children from age 3.
They share stories and poems, learn action rhymes and practise listening and oral blending through the foundations of Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised.
Nursery children receive a piece of fruit or vegetable each day free of charge through the National Fruit Scheme. Children should also bring a named water bottle.
No. A separate Reception application goes through Suffolk County Council, using the online CAF 1 form, with a closing date in early January.
Return the nursery application form directly to the school. The office can be contacted on 01502 572682 or at office@carltoncolvilleprimary.co.uk.
