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Nursery at Red Oak 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Three-hour sessions give Little Acorns a clear shape: a morning or afternoon of play and early learning, with children offered five morning or five afternoon sessions. Red Oak Primary School’s nursery in Lowestoft has 52 places, split equally between morning and afternoon groups. Children can start in the term following their third birthday.
Little Acorns is the school’s name for its nursery and Reception provision. The nursery combines activities organised by adults with play children choose themselves, using a developmental approach within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). For parents, that means early learning includes both guided activities and opportunities to follow a child’s interests.
Play and early literacy sit alongside each other. Phonics begins in nursery, introducing children to the sounds used in reading. Maths in the early years includes practical activities, songs and technology, with opportunities to explore numbers, shapes, space and time. These give children different ways to encounter early mathematical ideas rather than relying on one type of task.
Books also invite participation. In May 2023, early-years children joined in with repeated phrases from The Little Red Hen, while stories encouraged curiosity and interest in reading. Familiar language gives children something they can recognise and contribute to themselves.
Learning includes getting along with others. In May 2023, children in the early years practised sharing resources by taking turns and learning to treat one another kindly. Daily routines and expectations began in the early years too, giving the youngest children a framework for participating in group life.
Outdoor learning is part of school life in wet, windy and snowy weather as well as fine conditions. Children need a coat every day. Dressing for the weather therefore matters alongside dressing for the classroom.
The nursery teacher also holds the EYFS lead role, and the staff team includes a nursery nurse and early-years teaching assistants. Nursery children receive a free daily portion of fruit or vegetables through the National Fruit Scheme, making a simple healthy snack part of their provision.
For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school uses an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle involving the class teacher, SEND coordinator and headteacher. Parents help agree targets and support, and their views are sought during reviews. Learning plans and support records can be shared through Edukey or on paper, giving families a way to follow the provision agreed for their child.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Suffolk County Council’s admissions process by the normal deadline for their entry year.
For the 2026–2027 entry cycle, nursery attendance confers no priority: after children with an EHCP naming the school, the admission order covers looked-after children and qualifying previously looked-after children, qualifying siblings, then distance. Familiarity with the school and entitlement to a place are separate questions.
Morning nursery runs from 8:30 to 11:30; afternoon nursery runs from 12:15 to 15:15. Children are offered five mornings or five afternoons, each lasting three hours. That repeated pattern is the practical starting point for arranging family routines.
Apply using a form from the school office, with proof of address and the child’s birth certificate. Families can contact the school to arrange a nursery visit and meet staff. The office is reachable on 01502 573509 or office@redoakprimary.org.
Little Acorns uniform consists of a red jumper, pale blue polo shirt and grey or black trousers or skirt. Label clothing and pack the daily coat.
Children are admitted in the term after their third birthday.
Morning sessions run from 8:30 to 11:30 and afternoons from 12:15 to 15:15. Children are offered five morning or five afternoon sessions.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Suffolk County Council. Nursery attendance gives no priority in the 2026–2027 entry cycle.
Yes. Contact the school to arrange a nursery visit and meet the staff.
Little Acorns children wear a red jumper, pale blue polo shirt and black or grey trousers or skirt. Clothing should be labelled, and a coat is needed every day.
