Heartsease Primary Academy Nursery Review

Bishy Barney Bees gives Heartsease’s youngest children their own nursery identity, including a uniform distinct from the rest of the academy. It welcomes children aged two and three, with one nursery class offering morning and afternoon sessions. The provision belongs to Heartsease Primary Academy on Rider Haggard Road in Norwich.

In July 2023, Ofsted judged the academy’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The early years findings give a concrete picture of children practising language, counting and creative skills through play.

Communication takes a leading role. In July 2023, adults gave early years children vocabulary to try and gentle help with pronunciation. Children practised counting during play, took turns and imagined themselves serving customers in a shop. These activities connect numbers and conversation with situations children can understand.

Bishy Barney Bees follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS. In parent language, this brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings, build friendships and develop physical skills, alongside early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. Learning extends beyond letters and numbers.

The academy aims to combine adult teaching with activities children select themselves. Books, storytelling, songs and nursery rhymes form part of its early years approach. Drawing and painting develop control, while sorting and matching give children practical ways to explore mathematical ideas. In July 2023, early years children were eager to write and were learning artistic techniques through creative work.

A nursery manager and nursery assistants form the nursery team. Settling support also draws on the academy’s pastoral arrangements: the Pastoral Manager works with families after a place is offered. Parents who are worried about adjustment can discuss concerns with staff, who can agree additional support with teachers. This provides a route for addressing difficulties rather than letting them build.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities, the academy uses a cycle of assessing needs, planning support, putting it into practice and reviewing its effect. Parents contribute their knowledge of their child and discuss the intended outcomes. Class teachers lead personalised support with the SENCO, giving families a classroom contact alongside specialist coordination.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must submit a separate application through Norfolk County Council, even when their child already attends Bishy Barney Bees. The usual deadline is described as the end of January. Attendance at an attached nursery does not normally bring admission priority.

Preparation is a separate matter. Nursery staff work with Reception colleagues on transition, and children starting Reception are invited to informal visits to meet classmates and staff. For pupils with SEND, transition support can include booklets and extra visits according to need. Familiarity helps children prepare; it does not secure admission.

Morning and afternoon nursery sessions are available. Additional nursery care includes breakfast club from 7:30am to 8:30am and after school club from 3:20pm to 5pm. Both are charged per session, and bookings go through the main office, so families can arrange care around the nursery session.

The nursery’s separate uniform can be ordered through the school. Mark clothing with your child’s name. Nursery applications are handled by the academy, and families can arrange a tour by emailing office@heartseaseprimary.org.uk or calling 01603 307820.