Longmoor Primary School Nursery Review

Songs start the nursery day at Longmoor, with counting woven into the learning that follows. Penguin Class gives this school nursery its own identity: children begin in the term following their third birthday, and the provision caters for three- and four-year-olds. It sits within Longmoor Primary School in Long Eaton.

The Ofsted report published in January 2026 graded early years at Expected standard. Children cooperated readily in their learning, and staff checked their understanding before adjusting teaching. The important reservation concerns conversation: some adult interactions developed language well, but this needed to become consistent for children requiring the most support.

Listening comes before formal phonics. Daily Super Sounds sessions in the nursery develop concentration, speaking and listening, rhythm and the ability to distinguish sounds. Rhyming and breaking words into syllables give children practical ways to notice how language works. These are foundations for later reading, rather than a rush into written words.

Early Years Foundation Stage learning here includes the beginnings of reading, mathematics and writing, with staff checking whether children have understood new ideas. Counting is one concrete example from January 2026. The school's mathematics approach moves from objects to pictures and then symbols, using White Rose and NCETM Mastering Number across EYFS and beyond. Classroom toolboxes contain resources such as counters and bead strings, giving children something tangible to work with when exploring number.

Penguin Class's spring 2025 garden-themed plans included exploring plants, looking for small creatures and constructing minibeast hotels from natural materials. Planned nature hunts connected that learning with the world outside. Baking and food tasting also feature in nursery activities. Alongside these experiences, Jigsaw provides a named framework for learning about feelings, relationships and social skills from Foundation Stage 1. The day therefore has both practical exploration and deliberate work on communication and getting along with others.

Settling starts with the relationship between staff and families. In January 2026, early years staff supported children's transition into school and shared advice about routines at home, including bedtime. Parents contributing inspection feedback were very positive about that relationship. Nursery event updates go through Dojo, giving families a route for following class activity.

Children staying for both sessions bring their own packed lunch and eat together between sessions, with lunchtime supervision included. Snacks include fruit, with water or milk to drink. Parents supply nappies or pull-ups where needed; spare supplies can be used without a charge.

Additional needs receive attention early. In January 2026, children with SEND were assessed promptly and effectively. Early years teaching assistants have paediatric first aid training. Families can begin a discussion about progress with the class teacher, and the school's SEND arrangements include meetings to plan support and discuss referrals, with parental consent required for outside professionals. This gives parents a defined part in deciding the next steps.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; Derbyshire County Council manages school admissions. Keep that application separate from arrangements made directly with the school for nursery.

For children with SEND moving between classes, transition support includes passing information to the next teacher ahead of time and arranging extra classroom visits. A photographic passport may help a child understand the change. These are familiarisation measures, separate from the allocation of a school place.

Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am, afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, and full days from 8.45am to 3.30pm. Nursery operates Monday to Friday during term time, for 38 weeks, excluding holidays and INSET days. Collection and drop-off must match the session boundaries.

The morning and afternoon patterns each provide 15 weekly hours under universal funding. Full days provide 30 funded hours under extended entitlement, excluding the lunch interval. Families who do not qualify for extended entitlement can purchase additional nursery hours regularly or on an ad-hoc basis. Contact the school office for current charges and to arrange a visit.

A voluntary contribution supports snacks, baking and tasting activities; trip charges are communicated beforehand. Nursery enquiries go to the office on 0115 9733368 or info@longmoor.derbyshire.sch.uk.