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Nursery at St Margaret's Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
One core story each week and a weekly Forest School session give Acorns Nursery its character: language, play and outdoor exploration run alongside each other. This is the nursery at St Margaret's Primary Academy on Church Road in Lowestoft. Children can start in the term following their third birthday, with morning, afternoon and full-day options.
The April 2026 Ofsted inspection judged the school's early years provision to be at Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Children have daily access to learning areas they can use independently, alongside activities adjusted to extend their interests and brief teaching sessions led by adults. There is room to choose, then time to focus. The REAch2 nursery curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Development Matters, bringing learning into play, everyday routines and conversations with staff.
In parent language, that means learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently, while beginning to explore numbers, reading, the world and creative expression. A weekly core story links vocabulary and early literacy with imaginative activity. Returning to the same story gives children a shared starting point for talking and exploring ideas.
Forest School takes place once a week. Children explore nature and practise physical skills, with teamwork and problem solving among the nursery's aims for these sessions. Outdoor clothing is part of the practical kit, rather than an occasional extra.
In April 2026, early years teaching generally helped children progress, and staff adjusted learning for children who needed more help. Counting, speaking, listening, number and size featured in teaching. Vocabulary needs attention. Staff sometimes missed chances to extend children's word knowledge, making language development a useful focus when discussing your child's learning.
Settling begins with opportunities for parents to meet staff and visit, plus stay-and-play sessions for children. These offer a gradual introduction to the people and setting before nursery becomes part of the family routine. In April 2026, early years children settled promptly, understood routines and practised sharing and taking turns. Staff helped newcomers and children with additional needs participate.
For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school uses an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle. Children on the SEND register have a learning plan, with parents invited to review it each term and agree next targets. Families can arrange a SENDCo appointment through the office; the SENDCo holds the National Award for SEND Co-ordination. The school building has portable ramps and an accessible toilet, concrete features relevant to families considering physical access.
School meals are available, and full-day attendance carries a lunchtime charge. Discuss current charges with the school when arranging the session pattern.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority in its own right. Families must make a separate application through Suffolk County Council's normal admissions process by 15 January. Choose the nursery for the experience it offers now, while planning that second application separately.
Transition support is a different matter. Children joining Reception can visit the classroom and meet staff before starting. Where SEND is already identified, the SENDCo contacts the family and Reception staff visit the child's existing setting. These steps support familiarity and information sharing; they do not change admission priority.
Morning sessions run from 8:30 to 11:30, afternoons from 12:20 to 15:20, and full days from 8:30 to 15:20. Breakfast club is also available. Government-funded hours are accepted for three- and four-year-olds; eligible families may use 30-hour childcare funding, and extra sessions can be purchased.
Bring comfortable clothes, wellies, a coat and a named water bottle. To enquire or arrange a visit, contact the nursery team on 01502 530130 or admin.office@stmargarets-academy.org. Nursery applications use a separate form, with a birth certificate supplied when submitting it.
Children are accepted from the term after their third birthday.
Morning sessions are 8:30 to 11:30, afternoons are 12:20 to 15:20, and full days are 8:30 to 15:20. Breakfast club is also available.
No. Attendance gives no Reception priority in its own right. A separate application must be made through Suffolk County Council by the normal 15 January deadline.
Parents can visit and meet staff, and children can attend stay-and-play sessions. Support continues through the transition into nursery.
Yes. The nursery accepts government-funded hours for three- and four-year-olds, including 30-hour funding for eligible families. Additional sessions and lunchtime carry charges; contact the school for current charges.
