Queen Eleanor Primary Academy Nursery

Storytelling, number games, outdoor exploration and creative work give Queen Eleanor’s nursery its shape. Children join from the term following their third birthday, becoming part of the primary school community in Northampton. Familiarity with school routines starts here, alongside learning to share and communicate with other children.

Early Years educators lead the provision. The nursery aims to develop language, number skills and physical coordination through a mixture of play and structured learning. For parents seeking an introduction to school life, that combination is the central attraction: children begin learning within the school community while their activities remain rooted in early childhood.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework. In parent terms, this means practical learning that develops communication, early literacy, mathematical understanding and knowledge of the world. Planned play sits alongside creative and physical activities, giving children different ways to explore an idea rather than relying on one type of task.

Language has a clear place in the day. At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that nursery teaching used stories, songs and rhymes to develop careful listening in preparation for later phonics learning. These activities give children practice in attending to sounds and spoken language before formal reading develops.

Letter Join begins in early years with work on pencil grip and fine motor control. Its starting point is the physical skill of handling a pencil. Learning also extends beyond the classroom: in March 2023, early years children took part in purposeful activities indoors and outside. That gives practical exploration a place alongside classroom learning.

Settling into routines matters as much as learning new skills. In March 2023, early years children were safe and happy, settled readily and became accustomed to everyday routines. The nursery also aims to help children practise sharing, expressing themselves and working with others, making social learning part of their activities.

For additional needs, the school uses Assess, Plan, Do and Review, bringing parents, teaching staff and the SEND coordinator into decisions about support. This gives families a role in identifying barriers and reviewing the response. SEND support. In March 2023, a school-wide concern was that additional help did not consistently match pupils’ precise needs. Families should discuss how their child’s support will be tailored and reviewed.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through West Northamptonshire Council; nursery applications go directly to the school. Treat these as two separate decisions.

Children become familiar with staff, surroundings and school routines during nursery. That familiarity is useful preparation for the next stage, but it must be kept separate from the allocation of a Reception place.

Nursery enquiries and applications are handled by the school. Contact the team on 01604 761 200, email enquiries@queeneleanoracademy.org.uk or use the nursery enquiry form.

Tours can be arranged directly, and a tour booking form is also available. Places on individual tours are limited. A visit gives families an opportunity to see the school during its working day and discuss the nursery provision with the team before applying.