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Nursery at Stanton Vale 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 communication system for every child gives Stanton Vale’s Discover provision its defining character. Learning starts with each child’s needs, interests and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), with early education adapted to the individual. Some children join the Early Years class part time from age 2.
This is nursery provision within a special school in Long Eaton. Discover spans the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1, so its organisation allows children to continue with the early years curriculum beyond nursery age. Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 4 and 5 February 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school.
Discover combines activities guided by adults with learning that children initiate themselves. Children can pursue their interests where possible, while their EHCP shapes the activities and targets. Each child has an individual way to communicate: expressing a preference or asking for help is part of learning, rather than an assumption that everyone will use speech.
The EYFS brings together physical development, relationships and communication with early literacy, maths, creativity and exploration of the world. Discover uses Differentiated Early Years Outcomes (DEYO) and the Autism Education Trust framework to recognise progress in smaller steps. For parents, this means learning can be pitched to developmental needs while achievements that might otherwise be overlooked are recognised.
Indoor and outdoor learning both form part of Discover. Across the school, class bases have access to large outdoor spaces; facilities include Sensory Rooms, a Soft-Mobility Space and a designated Forest School Area. The onsite pool is accessible to all pupils at least once a week. These are school facilities supporting the early years setting, rather than a separate nursery campus.
In February 2025, early years children played and learnt successfully alongside one another. Challenge in learning. The same inspection identified a school-wide concern: some tasks did not stretch pupils sufficiently, allowing them to lose interest. Consistently matching activities to children’s learning needs remained an improvement requirement, a useful focus for conversations about individual targets.
Settling starts before attendance. The class lead arranges visits to the child’s existing placement and home, and families are offered a tour plus a play and stay session together. The transition is tailored to the child and family, giving parents an opportunity to explain needs and wishes before education begins.
Individual Learning Plans guide assessment across the school. Staff record progress in Earwig through observations, photographs and videos, allowing families and professionals to follow both small gains and larger milestones. Discover also teaches social skills through everyday experiences, including sharing, seeking help, making friends and learning to calm oneself.
Meals are supplied by Derbyshire County Council’s catering service. The school accommodates enteral feeding, soft meals and children needing a taster, making feeding requirements a practical part of its provision. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy recommendations can be incorporated into the school day; a part-time sensory occupational therapist works with class teams on individual sensory programmes.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. At Stanton Vale, Derbyshire County Council makes school placements for children with an EHCP. Discuss arrangements for Reception with the council’s SEN team.
Educational continuity is a separate matter. Some children remain in Discover until Year 2. Planning for the later move to Support, Explore, Nurture or Aspire begins during Key Stage 1, with parents, professionals and curriculum managers involved. Assessment helps determine the next pathway; familiarity with the school should not be treated as an admissions entitlement.
Some early years attendance is part time. The school’s transport timetable distinguishes parent, taxi and bus journeys: parent drop-off is at 8:45 and collection at 14:45, while taxi and bus collections follow at 14:50 and 14:55. These are school arrangements, rather than individual nursery session times.
Guided tours with time to discuss a child’s needs take place twice every half term, with morning or afternoon options. Contact reception on 0115 9729769 to arrange one. For current meal charges, contact the school. Families driving to the site must clear the front parking area between 8:45 and 9:30 and between 14:45 and 15:30 so transport vehicles can manoeuvre.
Some children attend the Early Years class part time from age 2.
Discover uses each child’s EHCP to shape learning, combines adult-guided activities with child-initiated learning, and provides every child with an individual communication system.
The class lead arranges a home visit and a visit to the current placement. Parents are offered a tour and a play and stay session with their child.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee Reception admission. Stanton Vale placements are made by Derbyshire County Council for children with an EHCP; families should work with the SEN team on the next placement decision.
The school caters for pupils who are enterally fed, need soft meals or require a taster. Derbyshire County Council’s catering service supplies meals.
