Orchard Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Little Ladybirds brings two-year-olds into nursery life alongside older children. Orchard’s nursery caters for children aged two, three and four at the primary school on Chapel Street in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Provision for two-year-olds began in September 2025, adding an earlier starting point for families.

Ofsted judged the early years to meet the Expected standard in June 2026. The youngest children settled rapidly and gained independence and confidence alongside their nursery peers. That gives the provision a clear character: early learning with familiar routines and contact with older children.

Child-led play sits alongside activities organised by adults, with both outdoor and indoor learning areas available. The nursery aims to use this combination to develop social skills, confidence and independence. Children have opportunities to pursue their interests as well as join activities selected by staff.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning here gives attention to practical foundations: counting, listening, early reading through phonics, and learning how to handle paintbrushes and pencils. These are skills children can use across their play and later learning. Adult conversation matters too. In June 2026, staff used exchanges during activities to extend children’s vocabulary and understanding, making talk part of learning rather than a separate exercise.

Teaching across the early years was generally effective, and staff adjusted it successfully where children faced learning barriers. Leaders continued to develop the curriculum and help adults make more of their conversations with children. The emphasis is on purposeful activity supported by adult interaction.

Established routines and adults who understand the children helped them feel settled and ready to learn in June 2026. For the two-year-olds, settling was quick. This is reassuring evidence about their experience, rather than a promise that every child will settle at the same pace.

Ladybird Class has a teacher who also leads the EYFS, supported by nursery teaching assistants. Parents receive curriculum pictures through Dojo and updates from their child’s class team, giving them a way to connect nursery learning with conversations at home.

Support needs are identified from the early years, with families involved and referrals to external professionals where appropriate. SEND support. In June 2026, the school-wide inclusion findings identified inconsistent precision in some children’s targets and in how staff used them. Families considering support should pay attention to how individual goals translate into everyday activities and greater independence. The SENCo can be contacted at senco@orchard-pri.notts.sch.uk.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority process and meet its deadline. Orchard follows the local authority’s admission policy.

Preparation and admission are separate questions. In June 2026, the nursery prepared children well for the move to Reception. Its work on listening, language and practical independence supports that next step, but does not secure a place.

Flexible session times are offered. Nursery visits can be arranged by contacting the school, giving families an opportunity to see the provision before applying.

For nursery enquiries, telephone 01623 455939 or email office@orchard-pri.notts.sch.uk. The office handles general enquiries; the SENCo provides a separate contact for special educational needs. Local authority admissions help is available on 0300 500 8080 for families dealing with the Reception application process.