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Nursery at Kimberley 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A climbing structure, waterplay and a canopy for shelter give Penguin Class an outdoor identity. This is Kimberley Primary School’s own nursery, taking children from age three, with an EYFS leader overseeing teacher-led provision supported by early years teaching assistants. It sits within the school on Swingate in Kimberley.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 14 and 15 September 2022. That judgement covers the early years foundation stage within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play and planned teaching work together here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early reading, maths, creativity and exploration of the world. Development Matters supports the planning. Children have whole-class teaching, guided groups, individual support and free-flow opportunities to use indoor and outdoor provision. Six topics across the year draw on stories and factual books, giving activities a shared theme and introducing vocabulary in context.
First Steps to Phonics, within FFT Success for All, starts nursery children with listening, rhyme, rhythm and blending sounds aloud. The emphasis is on hearing and distinguishing sounds before written letters are introduced. Painting, collage, construction and modelling provide other ways to express ideas; adults introduce artistic vocabulary and encourage children to explain their choices.
Outside, bikes and trikes sit alongside waterplay and the permanent climbing structure. The large canopy provides shade and shelter, allowing outdoor play in different weather. Penguin Class also has PE and Welly Wednesday sessions, so movement and outdoor experiences have named places in nursery life.
In September 2022, the early years curriculum had a clear sequence of learning and staff supported communication and language skilfully, but assessment criteria did not match curriculum content closely enough. This weakened the usefulness of some assessments for planning what children should learn next. It is a material qualification to the positive curriculum picture.
Settling begins before the first regular session. The school aims to arrange an introductory session and, in most cases, a home visit. These give families and staff an opportunity to get to know one another before nursery starts.
Lunchtime is supervised by qualified early years teaching assistants. Children can bring a packed lunch or have a paid hot meal cooked on site. The school is peanut and nut free. For special dietary requirements, families submit a dietary request with a GP letter, then meet the chef to discuss their child’s needs.
Communication support includes the EYFS Nelly Speech and Language program, alongside access to a speech and language therapist. Across the school, visual timetables and now-and-next boards help children understand routines. A sensory room provides another support space. Parents are invited to SEND review meetings, giving them a part in discussions about their child’s provision.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority’s first admissions process by the normal deadline. Choosing Penguin Class should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself.
Once a Reception offer has been accepted, the school contacts families about transition arrangements. That preparation is separate from the allocation of a place.
Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am, with drop-off between 8.30am and 8.40am. Afternoon nursery runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, with collection between 3.15pm and 3.30pm. Those short flexible windows offer some room around the session boundaries.
Universal funding provides 15 hours each week from the term following a child’s third birthday; eligible families can claim 30 funded hours. Nursery families can also use the breakfast and after-school provision, KPS Club, either within their entitlement or as a paid addition. Hot lunches are charged separately; ask the school for current charges.
Request a nursery application form through the office. Prospective families can arrange a visit by appointment. Contact office@kimberleyprimary.org or telephone 0115 938 5050. Check the school’s term dates when planning childcare, as they can differ from Nottinghamshire County Council’s dates.
Children start from age three. The main September intake is for children who have turned three by 31 August; later intakes depend on remaining spaces.
Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am. Afternoon nursery runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
Yes. Nursery families can access the breakfast and after-school clubs, either as part of their entitlement or as an additional paid service.
Children can bring a packed lunch or have a paid hot lunch prepared on site. Qualified early years teaching assistants supervise lunchtime.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the local authority’s first admissions process.
