Eastfield Academy Nursery Review

Stay and Play and a picnic give Eastfield Academy’s nursery children a chance to get acquainted before they start. Staff also visit families at home before children join the Foundation Stage, bringing the first conversations about a child into familiar surroundings. This is nursery provision within Eastfield Academy, on St Alban’s Close in Northampton.

Play and children’s own interests shape the early years experience. In July 2024, children enjoyed learning, practised independence and explored ideas through play. They also played cooperatively and took turns. For a parent, that connects learning with the everyday business of making choices and getting along with other children.

The Foundation Stage learning goals provide the framework, with learning adapted to individual needs. Assessment includes Tapestry observations in the Foundation Stage, giving staff a way to identify concerns alongside conversations with parents and information from a previous setting.

Named nursery music themes include Amazing Me and Bears. Creative work includes weaving, collage and printmaking, while food activities include vegetable noodles for Chinese New Year and making smoothies. These bring sound, materials and food into the learning experience rather than keeping it confined to spoken instruction.

Settling begins before the first session through informal events and the home visit. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher, and meetings can be requested between the regular parents’ evenings. That gives families a route to discuss a worry when it arises.

Additional support is planned with the teacher, SENDCo and, where appropriate, outside specialists; parents contribute too. Foundation Stage assessments help identify needs, and support can involve classroom work or time in a quieter space. There is an accessible toilet in Nursery, a concrete consideration for children who need adapted facilities.

Across the school, a specialist teaching assistant has completed Talking Success training delivered by NHS speech and language therapists. Speech and Language Therapy and Educational Psychology services can also contribute advice. These are school support arrangements rather than a promise of an individual adult for each nursery child.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor confers priority. A separate application is required. For September 2027 entry, families living in West Northamptonshire must submit the council’s Common Application Form by 15 January 2027; families elsewhere apply through their home local authority. Keep that application separate from nursery arrangements.

Familiarity is supported through transition activities: children spend time in their next class, and teachers exchange information about them. For children with SEND, individual transition plans and booklets can be used where helpful. This supports the change of classroom; it does not change admission rights.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01604 405042 or email enquiries@eastfieldacademy.co.uk. School visits can be arranged through the academy. The general enquiries mailbox is read by several people, so confidential information should be discussed through an appropriate private conversation.