Castle View Primary School Nursery Review

A purpose-built nursery gives Castle View’s youngest children their own base within the primary school in Matlock. Places start at age two, with both paid and funded options. The nursery aims to develop imagination, creativity and exploration: its emphasis is on continuing the learning children have already begun at home.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 18 and 19 March 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play leads the approach. The school describes early years learning as guided by children’s interests and needs, with the aim of encouraging persistence and active participation. Alongside that, the early years curriculum identifies the vocabulary, knowledge and skills children are to develop. For parents, the balance is between following a child’s curiosity and giving learning a clear direction.

White Rose Maths and Sing Up are among the curriculum schemes used across the school and nursery. These bring named approaches to mathematical understanding and music, alongside the nursery’s emphasis on exploration.

Past activities show how learning can become tangible. Children explored Dear Zoo and met animals brought by Matlock Farm Park, connecting a story with real creatures. A visit to White Post Farm included encounters with sheep and tortoises and learning about milk production. These are examples of previous experiences, rather than a promised trip schedule.

In March 2025, children in early years participated eagerly, sustained their attention during activities and followed established routines. Those findings give parents a useful picture of how children engaged with learning.

An Early Years Lead, who also holds the Lower School Lead role, forms part of the staffing structure, alongside an Early Years Educator. Health habits feature in learning too: in March 2025, early years children learned why toothbrushing and sufficient sleep matter.

Lunch can come from home or be purchased from school, giving families a choice between a packed meal and a school lunch. Some children may qualify for free school meals. Families supply the nappies and wipes their child needs in their bag; these items carry no nursery charge.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Derbyshire County Council and meet the normal application deadline. Treat choosing nursery and applying for school as two distinct decisions.

The shared school setting should not be confused with an admissions entitlement. A nursery place is a place for the nursery years; it does not secure the next stage.

Sessions can be arranged as mornings from 9am to noon, afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, or a day from 9am to 3pm. Optional lunch cover allows the day to extend to 3.30pm. Breakfast Club runs from 8am to 9am; After School Club has options ending at 4pm or 5pm, both starting at 3.30pm. This gives families several ways to build their childcare pattern.

All three- and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 universal nursery hours, while qualifying families can access 30 hours. Funded places are also offered to eligible two-year-olds. Additional sessions beyond funded entitlement, lunch cover and clubs are optional charged extras. A summer-term nursery trip is normally an optional paid activity. Contact the school for current charges.

To enquire, call 01629 582699 or join the waiting list, which carries no obligation. Visits can be arranged by telephone or email at info@castleview.derbyshire.sch.uk, allowing families to see the setting before deciding.