Warmington School Nursery Review

Robins gives children from 3 years a place within Warmington School, with opportunities to learn alongside Hedgehogs, the Reception class. That contact gives the nursery a clear connection to the next stage of school life. Robins is the school's own nursery class, rather than a separate setting.

Exploration and familiar routines sit together here. Ofsted judged the early years provision Good at the inspection on 3 and 4 October 2023. The early years findings describe children making choices about their learning while also listening attentively during group time: independence has space, alongside learning how to take part with others.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework. In parent language, it brings learning and development together with children's health and safety, building the knowledge and skills they will need as they grow. Warmington aims to prepare children for school through this early learning.

In October 2023, early years children had opportunities to investigate and direct their own activities. Language was a strong feature of the learning environment, helping children build the foundations for literacy. Carpet sessions also gave them practice in paying attention to an adult. These are complementary parts of the day: choosing an activity and joining a group both have a place.

Physical activity has a named place in Robins' week, with PE on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The wider school grounds include a playhouse, pirate ship and tyre park, alongside The Zen Den, an allotment and a wildlife area. These are features of the school site; they should be distinguished from the nursery's own session arrangements.

Curriculum development. In October 2023, the sequence of learning needed greater clarity in a small number of foundation subjects, including progression from early years onwards. Assessment also formed part of the improvement required. For families, the relevant issue is how individual activities build children's understanding over time.

Starting preschool can be a child's first regular separation from a parent. Robins recognises that children adjust at different speeds and offers families encouragement through that change. The nursery describes its staff as suitably experienced and qualified, and says it encourages independence, confidence and consideration for other people.

The team structure includes preschool assistants, an Early Years Lead and an early years special needs teaching assistant. A school SENDCo provides another named support role. Class Dojo lets parents follow Robins' learning, giving families a way to stay connected with what their child is doing.

Warm adult relationships were a feature of the early years in October 2023. Children understood familiar routines and treated adults and one another respectfully. That combination matters for young children learning to participate in a group.

Working alongside Hedgehogs gives Robins children familiarity with the next stage. Warmington intends this shared learning to make the move into school a positive experience.

Separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process by the deadline for their child's entry year. The application route is North Northamptonshire's primary school places service. Shared learning is transition support; it does not secure admission.

Warmington School is on School Lane, Warmington, Peterborough, PE8 6TA. Nursery enquiries can be made through the school contact form or by calling 01832 280420. Visits to see the school at work can be arranged by appointment, giving families an opportunity to explore the setting before choosing it.