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Nursery at Grange 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Story books, outdoor exploration and play shape nursery life at Grange Primary School in Long Eaton. This is the school's own nursery, taking children from age three and working alongside its wider early years team. Learning themes change each half term around selected books, giving children a shared starting point for conversation and activities.
There is an important caution alongside that picture. Ofsted's January 2026 report graded the school's early years provision as Needs attention, rather than giving the nursery a separate judgement. Enjoyment of activities was evident, but learning was not consistently developed deeply enough or matched closely enough to children's needs.
Play alternates with brief teaching sessions on the carpet. Children explore independently as well as working with adults, while resources with several possible uses encourage them to discuss ideas and make things together. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework: here, that means practising communication, friendships, movement and independence alongside early learning.
Books give the day a clear thread. Nursery library borrowing takes place on Fridays and Tuesdays, allowing families to continue sharing stories at home. Thursday brings a PE session. Outdoors, the garden is used daily, with monthly forest school sessions extending exploration into the school grounds. Outdoor learning continues in different weather conditions, so a waterproof coat has a practical purpose.
Number and listening also appear through play. In January 2026, nursery children used Five Little Speckled Frogs for early number learning and practised noticing sounds around their classroom. Across early years, stories and related activities supported the beginnings of reading. However, early reading work had yet to achieve its full intended effect.
Learning needs attention. Assessment was not consistently guiding activities precisely enough, and some tasks needed clearer learning goals. Too many children finished early years lacking the preparation needed for their next stage. For parents, the key issue is how staff turn enjoyable play into specific knowledge and skills for their child.
A visit is offered to each child before starting, with time to meet adults and explore the nursery. Preparation advice focuses on everyday tasks: managing a coat, handwashing and using the toilet. Grange expects children to be toilet trained on entry, while recognising that some take longer; ERIC's toilet-training guidance is linked for families.
Tapestry provides photographs and observations of nursery learning, giving parents something concrete to discuss with their child. WEDUC carries important messages, and families are asked to keep contact details updated. These serve different purposes: one opens up the child's learning, the other handles practical communication.
Each session includes fruit and a starchy snack, with options including toast or crackers. There is a snack charge. Children bring a labelled bottle containing water or sugar-free squash.
For additional needs, the school's SEND team includes specialist teaching assistants and uses an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle. Derbyshire's Inclusion Support Advisory Service also works with staff on individual support. Families can discuss their child's needs with the SEND coordinator through the school office.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Derbyshire County Council's normal school admissions process.
Transition work is a separate benefit. Nursery and Reception staff coordinate their work, and children sometimes use indoor and outdoor areas together during exploration. That gives nursery children familiarity with the wider early years environment; it should not be treated as an admissions advantage.
Morning nursery runs from 9:00am to noon; the afternoon runs from 12:15pm to 3:00pm. Children attending with 30-hour childcare support have a 9:00am to 3:00pm day. Grange also accepts children receiving 15-hour support.
Nursery uniform and suitable shoes are required, with belongings labelled. For Thursday PE, children wear a white or yellow plain top, trainers and black joggers or leggings. The school follows Derbyshire County Council's term calendar.
For nursery enquiries, contact enquiries@grange.derbyshire.sch.uk or telephone 0115 9734956. The office operates Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
The morning session is 9:00am to noon and the afternoon is 12:15pm to 3:00pm. For children attending with 30-hour childcare support, the nursery day is 9:00am to 3:00pm.
No. A separate school application is required through Derbyshire County Council's normal admissions process.
Yes. Every child is offered a nursery visit to meet staff and explore the surroundings.
Staff share nursery photographs and observations through Tapestry. WEDUC is used for important information.
Each nursery session includes a healthy snack comprising fruit and a carbohydrate option. A snack charge applies. Children bring a labelled bottle of water or sugar-free squash.
