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Nursery at Cavalry 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Spaceships made from loose parts, water flowing down gutter ramps and stories about feelings give Cavalry Nursery its character: play has a practical purpose here. This is the school’s own on-site provision for pre-school children in March, with a nursery leader and teaching assistants based in the nursery.
At the Ofsted inspection on 5 and 6 June 2024, early years provision was judged Good, with the nursery included in that assessment. This is an early years judgement within the school’s inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework. Its seven learning areas bring together children’s development and learning, with play indoors and outdoors used to work towards the Early Learning Goals. For parents, that means activities such as building, dressing up, painting and exploring nature have a place in the curriculum alongside learning to handle scissors and developing movement through climbing and riding.
Stories lead into practical exploration. After reading Whatever Next, children noticed groups of stars, built outdoor spaceships and practised counting backwards before launching their imaginary journeys. A garden hunt for moon rocks and experiments with fizzy stars extended the theme. The water tray has also been used with gutter ramps, giving children materials to manipulate and investigate.
Early phonics begins with listening. Phase one includes recognising sounds from toys and speech, sharing books, singing rhymes and spotting words with matching sounds. These activities develop vocabulary and give children material to talk about. In June 2024, teaching of phonics from the early years was consistently effective.
Settling starts before the first nursery session. Children visit with their parents, who are encouraged to stay and play; this gives families a shared introduction to the setting before children attend independently.
The Colour Monster has provided a way to explore emotions. Children made their own monsters while discussing feelings, and the nursery has a space where they can explore how they feel. Parents and carers have also joined Easter bonnet workshops, taking part in a creative activity alongside their children.
For special educational needs enquiries, families can contact the school’s SENDCo at senco@cavalryprimary.org. This provides a direct contact for discussing a child’s needs.
Food is part of the wraparound routine: Breakfast Club serves cereals, toast with toppings and juice, while Stay & Play provides a drink and toast. These arrangements matter for children extending their time beyond their nursery session.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Cambridgeshire County Council’s admissions team handles the school’s admissions service on behalf of The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust.
Once a Reception place has been offered, transition includes classroom taster sessions and a home visit. Reception teachers also visit nurseries to meet the children coming to Cavalry and speak with nursery staff. That exchange helps the receiving team get to know each child; it is separate from the allocation of places.
Breakfast Club accepts nursery children, opening at 7.45 a.m., with drop-off permitted until 8.15 a.m. Staff escort nursery children to their classrooms. Book through ParentPay before 2.30 p.m. the previous day and pay when booking.
Stay & Play also accepts nursery children and finishes at 5.15 p.m. Activities include art, toys and board games, with use of the school field during summer. ParentPay bookings and payment are required before 2.30 p.m. on the day of use. Ask the school for current wraparound charges.
For these clubs, use the Community Room’s side door beside the staff car park. Parents should park on Cavalry Drive or a nearby street, and children must be signed out from Stay & Play. To enquire about a nursery place or arrange a visit, telephone the school office on 01354 652814.
The EYFS guides learning indoors and outdoors. Activities include construction, painting, dressing up, water play and exploring nature.
Children and parents visit before starting, and parents are encouraged to stay and play to help their child become comfortable.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
Yes. Breakfast Club and Stay & Play both accept nursery children. Sessions are booked and paid for through ParentPay.
Contact the school office on 01354 652814 to arrange a visit or enquire about a place.
