Rokeby Primary School Nursery

Herbs to smell and words to discover give Rokeby’s nursery a concrete character. In March 2023, nursery children explored herbs through play, part of an early years emphasis on conversation and the beginnings of mathematics. Learning starts with things children can experience.

This is Rokeby Primary School’s own nursery on Anderson Avenue in Rugby. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 21 and 22 March 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Talking and exploring sit together here. In March 2023, learning in the nursery engaged children’s imaginations, with language development and early maths receiving particular attention. The herb activity gives that approach substance: sensory play provided something concrete to explore and talk about, rather than an abstract exercise.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. For parents, the emphasis evidenced here is on developing children’s speech and introducing mathematical learning through experiences that capture their interest. Reading also begins its place in the curriculum during early years.

Across Rokeby, The Power of Reading connects topics with the book a class is studying. The school aims to develop independence and interpersonal skills through practical experiences. These are school curriculum principles, rather than a promise of a particular nursery timetable.

A nursery garden adds outdoor space to the learning environment. Pictures and visual prompts support the nursery routine, while staff use signs alongside spoken language. These give children more than one way to follow what is happening. Children are also encouraged to pursue their interests and lead their play.

Communication support has concrete tools behind it. Nursery staff use Makaton and symbols, alongside language matched to children’s individual levels. For a child developing understanding, that means speech is accompanied by visual and signed cues.

The wider school’s SEND arrangements bring together class teachers, teaching assistants and the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator. Individual Learning Plans guide support, with progress monitored and parents involved in review meetings. Links include speech and language therapists, Educational Psychologists and the Integrated Disability Service. This gives families a school support structure within which to discuss their child’s needs.

Staff training across the school has included Makaton, hearing impairment and sensory processing needs. Rokeby also operates a nut-free rule, including snacks and sandwich spreads: families sending food must check ingredients. Safeguarding concerns during school hours can be raised with the designated safeguarding lead through the school telephone number.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step when planning your child’s next year, even if you hope to remain at Rokeby.

The school office handles enquiries on 01788 814399 or at rokebyprimary@stowevalley.com. Its opening hours are 8.15am to 4.00pm; these are office hours, not nursery session times. The address is Anderson Avenue, Rugby, CV22 5PE.