Hunsbury Park Primary School Nursery

Forest School and play shaped around children's interests give Hunsbury Park's nursery its character. The nursery describes an approach led by each child's interests and development, with an emphasis on talking and communication. For parents, that means a stated focus on exploration and expression in the pre-school year.

Children are welcomed from age 3, and the nursery occupies the school site on Dayrell Road in Camp Hill, Northampton. In September 2025, the nursery had 30 children. That is an attendance figure, rather than a measure of how many places can be offered.

Play is the starting point. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework for children's early learning and care, and describes learning through exploration. Books, puzzles, construction materials and resources for imaginative play support that approach. These give children different ways to investigate, make things and communicate their ideas.

Forest School takes learning outdoors. The nursery aims to help children develop a connection with nature through these sessions, adding outdoor exploration to its emphasis on children's interests. This is a named part of the nursery experience.

The timetable allows either shorter sessions or days running from 9am to 3.30pm. Morning sessions run from 9am to noon; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Lunch club occupies the half-hour between them, so families can choose a pattern that includes the middle of the day.

A nursery teacher and nursery practitioners make up the nursery team. Support for additional needs also draws on the school's inclusion team, which includes the SENDCo, teaching assistants, a learning mentor and a Family Support Worker.

For early years children, staff are expected to respond promptly to emerging difficulties and listen to parents' developmental concerns. Support follows a cycle of assessing needs, agreeing a plan, putting it into practice and reviewing it. Parents are informed when special educational provision begins, giving them a clear role in discussing their child's support.

Lunch can come from home or be bought through Kingswood Catering. Families provide pull-ups and wipes, and apply sun cream before nursery. A voluntary contribution towards consumables includes one snack for each session. These arrangements make food and everyday care supplies part of the family's practical planning.

Attending Hunsbury Park's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate: families must apply again through the normal Reception process and meet its deadline.

Being on the school site is part of the nursery's intended preparation for that move. The nursery aims to build confidence and curiosity as children approach school. Treat that preparation separately from the allocation of a Reception place.

This is a term-time nursery. Universal funding for three- and four-year-olds starts in the term following their third birthday and is taken as 15 hours a week across 38 weeks. Eligible working families can access a combined 30-hour week; their eligibility code must be renewed every three months.

The 15-hour choices include daily half-day sessions or two full days with a shorter morning. Eligible families using 30 hours can attend four full days and finish at 1pm on Friday. Additional hours, lunch club and optional activities can involve charges; contact the school for current charges. Snack contributions are voluntary.

Session swaps depend on space and must stay within the same week. Families must sign the funding declaration each term. To enquire, register interest with the nursery or call the school office on 01604 761566.