Hambleton Primary Academy Nursery Review

Confident talk and an early interest in books give Hambleton’s nursery its clearest character. In December 2024, children across the early years were developing a substantial vocabulary and putting it to use when talking with others. That matters for children learning to express ideas and join conversations.

Hambleton Primary Academy runs the nursery itself, taking children from age three. It is part of the school’s early years provision. Ofsted graded early years Outstanding at the inspection on 17 and 18 December 2024; this judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Two three-hour sessions shape the nursery timetable: a morning from 9.00am to 12.00pm and an afternoon from 12.00pm to 3.00pm. These give families distinct morning and afternoon timings around which to organise the day.

Books and conversation are central to the early learning described here. In December 2024, staff encouraged children’s interest in reading from the early years, while children used their growing vocabulary confidently with other people. The emphasis reaches beyond recognising words: children have language they can use to communicate.

A book corner is provided in every classroom, giving reading a physical place in the learning environment. Children are read to daily, with books chosen both to reflect familiar lives and introduce other cultures and worlds. Familiarity and discovery sit together.

The school aims to make its early years learning exploratory and adventurous, with children learning through their own experiences. It also encourages independence from an early age and involves children in developing curriculum themes. The intention is for children to contribute to learning, as well as take part in it.

For families whose child has special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school has a SEND coordinator who can be reached through the main contact number. This gives parents a defined contact for discussing additional needs.

Across Fylde Coast Academy Trust, support follows an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle: staff identify needs, plan support, put it into practice and review its effect. Parents and children are involved throughout. Where a child receives targeted SEN support, their support plan is reviewed with families and staff at least termly, providing a regular opportunity to revisit what the child needs.

Communication also has everyday routes. Parents can contact the class teacher, telephone the office or use Parent Mail. These routes let families raise concerns directly with the school team.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For the September 2027 intake, it does not confer an oversubscription priority either. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority, using its Common Application Form or online application route, by 15 January 2027.

For children with SEND, the trust’s transition arrangements include discussions or meetings involving families and the relevant settings, with staff coordinating the transfer of information. This concerns continuity of support; it does not change the admissions process.

Nursery doors open at 8.35am and close at 3.15pm, distinct from the session teaching times. Keep those differences in mind when planning collection and drop-off.

Applications for nursery are handled through the school office. Telephone 01253 700331 to contact the team and obtain an application. Reception applications follow the separate local authority route described above.