Northfield St Nicholas Primary Academy Nursery

At the July 2022 inspection, children explained how grasshoppers make sounds, while staff extended their language. That gives a dated glimpse of early learning here. Northfield St Nicholas Primary Academy’s nursery in Lowestoft has 52 places, split between 26 morning and 26 afternoon places. Children can start from the term following their third birthday.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 July 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Morning and afternoon sessions each give families a distinct attendance pattern. At the July 2022 inspection, early-years learning built on children’s existing understanding, and staff developed vocabulary through the planned curriculum. In July 2022, children were eager to explain their knowledge, including how grasshoppers produce sounds with their wings. The practical significance is clear: learning includes putting ideas into words.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together children’s learning, development, safety and welfare. Its learning areas include movement, communication and relationships alongside early mathematics, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, this means the nursery stage concerns how children communicate and develop as well as the beginnings of reading and number knowledge.

At the July 2022 inspection, early-years responsibilities included being a peg monitor. This gave children a concrete part to play in looking after everyday classroom routines.

Settling begins with a visit once a place becomes available. Parents and children meet the nursery team and join a stay and play session; the induction programme is discussed too. This gives the family time with staff before attendance begins, rather than leaving the first meeting until the first session.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review at least three times a year. Parents contribute their knowledge of the child when targets are agreed, and learning-plan meetings provide a point to discuss progress and adjust support. Concerns start with the class teacher; SENCO Surgery appointments can also be arranged through the office.

Emotional support includes the school’s THRIVE approach, with trained practitioners and a THRIVE classroom. Depending on individual need, support can include speech and language work, social-skills groups or activities addressing fine and gross motor skills. These are school support arrangements, with provision planned around the child rather than a fixed package for every nursery pupil.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Suffolk County Council’s school admissions service by the normal deadline. Treat this as a separate task from joining the nursery.

Preparation for change is a different matter from admission. The school supports moves between classes, with additional arrangements for children with SEND where needed. These may include extra visits, a social story or other planned activities, helping a child become familiar with the change. They do not secure a place.

The nursery’s morning session runs from 08:45 to 11:45; the afternoon runs from 12:15 to 15:15. For part-time attendance, arrangements are discussed directly with the nursery class leader. Agree the attendance pattern when organising the place so that collection and family schedules fit the session.

Thirty-hour placements are also offered, either paid or funded for families qualifying for the government’s 30-hour funding. Eligibility is a condition of that funded option. Ask the school for current charges for paid placements.

To join the nursery waiting list, visit the school office. Staff contact families when a place becomes available and arrange the visit and stay and play session. The nursery is at the academy on St Margaret’s Road, Lowestoft.