The Parkgate Academy Nursery Review

Two age-group rooms give Parkgate’s nursery its shape: one class for two-year-olds, another for children aged three and four. Exploration and investigation are the nursery’s stated starting points for learning. This is the school’s own provision on Whinney Lane in New Ollerton, with links between the nursery rooms and Foundation 2, the school’s Reception provision.

A qualified teacher leads and manages both classes, supported by teaching assistants. For families, that means a teacher-led structure from the youngest nursery class, with connections to the next stage already built into the organisation.

Rhymes, rhythms and shared books give the day a concrete early-reading focus. Letters and Sounds is the phonics framework, with Phase 1 beginning in nursery. Children practise noticing sounds, join in songs and start connecting sounds with words. Listening comes first. Sharing books also develops vocabulary and gives children something to talk about, so early reading extends beyond recognising letters.

Play and independence are central to the early-years experience. In November 2024, Ofsted found that children stayed focused for longer periods and that adults used questions to extend learning as opportunities arose. In plain parent language, the early-years approach here involves learning through play, conversation and exploration, with adults helping children take their thinking further.

Outdoor learning areas add opportunities to explore and attempt challenges. These spaces matter because children can practise making decisions and taking risks alongside the learning supported by adults. The nursery’s emphasis on investigation fits that pattern: curiosity is treated as a starting point for learning.

Warm adult-child relationships were an early-years strength in November 2024. Alongside the teacher and teaching assistants, the school’s special educational needs coordinator organises support, staff training and contact with outside agencies. The class teacher is the first contact for concerns, giving parents a clear starting point for discussing their child’s needs.

Meals are prepared in the school’s kitchens using fresh ingredients sourced locally. Food allergies and intolerances can be accommodated through arrangements with the office; daily menus are accessible through School Money. This gives families a practical way to discuss dietary needs before meals are arranged.

Safeguarding concerns should go to the senior safeguarding lead, or another trained designated lead if the senior lead is unavailable. That reporting route gives parents a direct action if they are worried about a child’s welfare.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and carries no priority in the school’s oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by its deadline. Catchment, sibling connections and looked-after status feature in the criteria; attending nursery does not replace that process.

Links between both nursery rooms and Foundation 2 support continuity as children move between classes. Treat those connections as transition support, while planning the Reception application separately.

Morning nursery sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoon sessions run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. These are the nursery session times to use when planning collection and other childcare.

For enquiries, telephone 01623 860 584 or email office@theparkgateacademy.co.uk. Appointments to look around can be arranged through the office. Parents should collect promptly and tell the academy if a different person will be collecting their child.