The Abbey Primary School Nursery Review

The Vikings gives The Abbey Primary School’s nursery its own identity within the school. Reading provides a clear connection with the wider curriculum: Read Write Inc. Phonics includes nursery children who are learning to read and write. For parents, that means a named approach to early reading rather than an unspecified introduction to letters.

In March 2023, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Read Write Inc. Phonics connects letters with sounds, then uses those connections to help children read words. Children also practise spelling by breaking words into sounds. These are concrete steps parents can recognise when supporting early reading at home.

Within EYFS, the emphasis is on learning sounds and the letters that represent them, with daily consolidation. Reading books match the phonics children have learned, and adults revisit and discuss them with children. The implication is straightforward: a beginner can practise familiar sounds in a book before tackling less familiar combinations. In March 2023, children in early years were making a positive start in reading, using books matched to their sound knowledge.

The school describes hands-on experiences as part of a curriculum extending from nursery onwards. Its library adds a physical resource for reading, while listening to stories is part of school life. Practical experiences and books sit alongside the more structured phonics work.

Fruit and milk are provided daily for EYFS pupils. This gives the early years day a regular snack provision. Across the school, lunchtime arrangements include packed lunches or Chartwells hot meals, with lunchtime staff supervising children in the school hall. Families bringing food from home are asked to avoid nut products and label the lunch container.

Support for additional needs involves the SENCo, teachers and support staff working together. The school aims to identify needs early through discussion with parents, and teaching materials are adapted to children’s abilities and interests. External professionals can also contribute support. For a family whose child needs adjustments, this places parent discussion and classroom adaptation within the same support process.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, using the West Northants council application route.

The school’s listed priorities concern children with an Education, Health and Care Plan, children in local authority care, staff children, siblings and proximity. Nursery attendance is not among those listed priorities. Familiarity with the school should therefore be kept separate from the decision allocating a Reception place.

The school office is the enquiry route: telephone 01604 660100 or email office@aps.inmat.org.uk. The school is on Winchester Road in Delapre, Northampton.

Termly curriculum updates give parents an overview of learning alongside relevant event dates. This helps families connect conversations at home with classroom topics. For questions about the curriculum, parents can speak to their child’s class teacher or contact the office.