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Nursery at The Limes 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Three-hour sessions, a Lunch Club between them and an emphasis on learning to communicate give The Limes nursery its practical shape. The 52-place pre-school sits within The Limes Primary Academy in Oulton, Lowestoft, with nursery provision starting from age two. Children can remain until the September after their fourth birthday.
In February 2023, Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Speech and language were a clear strength of the early years curriculum: building vocabulary gave children more tools for expressing themselves and taking part in learning.
Morning and afternoon sessions each last three hours. Families combining both can use Lunch Club, which includes supervised eating followed by play while staff prepare for the afternoon. This creates a break between the two learning sessions and lets a child stay across lunchtime.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework for learning and care for children aged zero to five. Its learning areas bring together movement, relationships and communication with early maths, literacy, creativity and understanding the world. For parents, that means development extends beyond learning letters and numbers.
In February 2023, early years activities were carefully planned across the learning areas, with vocabulary development receiving sustained attention. Children also responded well to established expectations and routines. Together, those features supported a recognisable daily structure and children's language development at the February 2023 inspection.
Independence is another practical thread in preparing for nursery. Families are encouraged to practise opening a lunchbox, drinking from a cup and using cutlery, alongside putting on shoes and a coat. Recognising their belongings and responding to their name are preparation goals too. These are useful everyday steps towards managing a session away from home.
Lunch Club allows a packed lunch or a school meal; a school meal must be booked by 9am that day. There are separate charges for supervision and the school meal. The nursery describes meals as balanced and made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Families choosing a full day therefore have a food choice as well as a lunchtime booking to organise.
For additional needs, the school's Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle runs at least three times a year. Parents contribute to learning targets and discuss progress with the class teacher. The teacher is the first contact for concerns, with SENCo appointments bookable through the office. This gives families a defined route from raising a concern to reviewing support.
The school has a lift, wheelchair-suitable exterior entrances and a wide accessible toilet. These are school facilities; their practical relevance depends on the child's needs and the spaces they use.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at The Limes. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions route and meet the deadline for their child's entry year. Treat this as a fresh application, even if nursery already feels familiar.
Transition support is a separate matter. Teachers discuss children's needs when they change classes, and children with SEND may receive transition booklets, social stories or pupil passports when needed. Those arrangements help explain a change of classroom and routine; they do not secure admission.
Sessions run Monday to Friday: mornings are 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoons are 12:20pm to 3:20pm. Parents rank preferred slots, but their first choices cannot always be accommodated. Work restrictions can be included with the preferences.
From the term after a child's third birthday, the funded offer is 15 hours each week over 38 weeks. Eligible families can request 30 hours, with a code required before the additional hours start and places subject to availability. Lunch Club and school meals carry charges; contact the school for current charges.
Send the nursery application to office@thelimesacademy.org or return it to the academy on Lime Avenue, Oulton, Lowestoft, NR32 3BQ. Enquiries can also go through the office on 01502 449200.
Nursery provision starts from age two. Children can stay until the September following their fourth birthday.
Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am and afternoon sessions from 12:20pm to 3:20pm, Monday to Friday.
Yes. Children attending both sessions can use Lunch Club and bring a packed lunch or have a school meal booked by 9am that day. Supervision and school meals carry separate charges.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions route, by the deadline for the child's entry year.
Start with your child's class teacher. You can also book an appointment with the SENCo through the school office.
