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Nursery at Lings 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Skylarks gives Lings Primary School’s pre-school its own identity within the school’s early years provision. Children can join when they turn three, and the pre-school occupies the same site as the primary school on Hayeswood Road in Northampton. This is a start to school life within an existing school community.
Early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 28 and 29 March 2023. That judgement covers the school’s EYFS provision, rather than constituting a separate nursery rating. The useful detail for parents is the emphasis on children learning together, listening to one another and receiving help with gaps in their understanding.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework for young children’s learning and development. Lings also has NPAT pre-school curriculum frameworks covering language, physical development, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, that means the learning spans communication, relationships and movement alongside early reading and number work.
In March 2023, the EYFS combined enthusiasm with concentration. Adults demonstrated how to listen and pronounce words, while children practised sharing their learning with others. One observed phonics activity involved children waiting while another child explained what they had learned. Taking turns had a practical purpose.
Books connected different aspects of learning: children explored how plants provide food and how this relates to healthy eating. Staff checked children’s understanding regularly, with star activities used to tackle emerging gaps. These examples show learning connected to recognisable ideas, with additional practice shaped by what children understood.
Children settled successfully in EYFS in March 2023. Adults demonstrated expected behaviour and gave children clear guidance, helping them understand how to participate in the group.
The school’s inclusion team brings together SEND coordination, inclusion leadership and family support roles. Family support workers help with social and emotional difficulties and with challenging circumstances at home. Referrals to external agencies can also form part of SEND support. This gives families routes to help beyond the classroom team.
Safeguarding concerns are recorded through MyConcern and passed to the safeguarding team. Families can contact the family support team on 01604 410369, selecting option 2; urgent concerns should be discussed directly. The practical value is a clear route for raising a worry.
Reception requires another application. Attending Skylarks does not guarantee a Reception place. Families apply separately through their home local authority, even when choosing Lings.
For the 2026–2027 admissions cycle, nursery attendance did not confer priority under the oversubscription criteria. The deadline for that cycle was midnight on 15 January 2026 and has passed. Choosing the pre-school and securing a Reception place are separate decisions.
The school office handles enquiries on 01604 410369, and school visits can be arranged through the office. The address is Hayeswood Road, Lings, Northampton, NN3 8NN.
Children in EYFS must be accompanied by an adult to their classroom door and collected there by an adult. This makes the handover location clear for whoever takes responsibility for collection.
Children can start when they turn three.
The pre-school class is called Skylarks.
No. A separate application is required through your home local authority. Nursery attendance did not confer priority in the 2026–2027 oversubscription criteria.
Early years provision was graded Good at the inspection on 28 and 29 March 2023. Children settled successfully, and staff checked their learning and addressed gaps in understanding. This was an EYFS judgement within the school inspection.
Call the school office on 01604 410369 for enquiries or to arrange a school visit. For family support, use the same number and select option 2.
