Langley Mill Church of England Infant School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Pond dipping, worm homes and a trim trail give Curious Cotton Mice a distinctly outdoor character. This is the nursery class within Langley Mill Church of England Infant School and Nursery, taking children aged three and four. There are 26 places in each of the morning and afternoon groups, with sessions running five days a week.

The physical setting gives children plenty to explore, but teaching needs closer consideration. Ofsted’s January 2026 report judged the school’s early years provision Needs attention. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play provides the starting point. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about relationships, movement, communication, early reading and writing, numbers, the world and creative expression. Children choose some activities themselves, with staff guidance, while adults lead others. Topics adapt to the interests of each group, giving children a route into learning through things that catch their attention.

Magnificent Minibeasts shows how that works in practice. The nursery’s spring and summer 2026 plans included searching for bugs, investigating habitats, making homes for worms and exploring the pond. These activities connect outdoor exploration with talking about living things. Outdoor areas adjoin the nursery classroom; the wider grounds include a growing area, wildlife space and a field with an adventure trail. Early years children divide their learning between inside and outside throughout the day.

Little Wandle Foundations develops the listening and language skills that precede formal phonics. Stories, poems, action rhymes and spoken blending activities sit alongside opportunities to talk. A reading corner is accessible during daily free-flow time. Maths combines a daily teacher introduction with counting and singing woven into play, indoors and outdoors.

In January 2026, early years phonics and work on communication were positive features, supported by carefully chosen stories and rhymes. However, the curriculum did not consistently specify the knowledge children should retain. Adults also missed checks on understanding and opportunities to adjust teaching, leaving some children learning less successfully and insufficiently prepared for the next stage. Families should weigh the appealing activities alongside these teaching concerns.

Before starting, parents are invited to a short nursery visit to discuss the provision and ask questions. The nursery team includes a teacher and teaching and learning assistants, with full-time, morning and afternoon assistant roles listed. Those are useful starting points for building familiarity.

Settling in. In January 2026, relationships with parents developed positively, but arrangements for newcomers, including nursery children, were applied unevenly. Some children therefore took longer to settle. The consistency of those first sessions deserves attention during the introductory visit.

Dojo connects home and class through learning updates and messages. Nursery teachers respond on weekdays between 8.30am and 4.30pm; other matters go through the school office. This gives families distinct routes for learning questions and practical issues.

School support includes a SEND coordinator and a Family Support Worker whose remit covers emotional wellbeing, parenting and links to local services. For children attending the 30-hour provision, lunch can be brought from home or purchased as a school dinner. Families choosing the latter should obtain current charges from the school.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate school application through their own local council, including when choosing a school across a council boundary. The primary application deadline is 15 January. Keep that application separate from nursery enrolment: having a nursery place does not remove the need to apply again.

Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The nursery offers 15 funded hours for three- and four-year-olds, alongside 30-hour provision for eligible families with a funding code. The extended entitlement starts in the term after the code’s start date, and the code must be obtained in the preceding term.

Entry is offered in the term following a child’s third birthday, with September, January and April intakes. Apply using the online Nursery Application form; the school contacts families in the preceding term to arrange a visit and paperwork. The school follows Derbyshire County Council’s term dates.

Uniform is requested, though it is not statutory in nursery. Clothing must be labelled, children need a named water bottle, and the jewellery ban includes earrings. Enquiries and tour requests can go by phone or email: 01773 713429 or info@langleymill-inf.derbyshire.sch.uk.