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Nursery at Alfred Lord Tennyson 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, investigation and close attention to children’s development give Alfred Lord Tennyson School’s early years provision its character. The October 2024 inspection covered Nursery within the school’s early years foundation stage (EYFS). Confirm current nursery availability with the school office before making plans. At the inspection on 1 and 2 October 2024, early years provision was judged Good. That judgement covers early years together, rather than Nursery alone.
A purpose-built riding track, mud kitchen and growing beds give practical learning a physical setting. Across the EYFS outdoor provision, children can ride pedal bikes, investigate water, climb in the nature area and experiment with sound using pans and pots. These activities bring movement, discovery and making things into the same learning environment.
Indoors and outside, the EYFS model combines children’s own play choices with activities guided by adults. Staff join play to help children develop their ideas and take learning further. The school aims to encourage independence and help children manage their feelings, so the emphasis extends beyond completing an adult’s task.
The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, drawing on Birth to 5 and Development Matters 2022. Its seven learning areas bring together language, physical development, relationships and emotions, alongside early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. In parent terms, talking, moving and playing belong alongside the beginnings of reading and number work.
In October 2024, the early years curriculum identified developmental steps across Nursery and Reception. Adults monitored children’s progress and provided help when learning slipped behind. Children progressed well, giving this play-based provision a clear educational purpose.
Home visits and stay-and-play sessions form part of the EYFS arrangements for helping families become familiar with school. Parent workshops, consultations and informal conversations provide further contact. Staff share photographs, observations and examples of children’s work, giving parents concrete ways to follow development and contribute experiences from home.
Support also sits within the wider school team. An Early Years Foundation Stage Lead oversees this phase, while an Inclusion Manager/SENCO provides a contact for special educational needs and disabilities. The school’s Family Support Worker offers practical advice and can coordinate an Early Help Assessment, giving families a route to support when difficulties involve more than classroom learning.
Emotion Coaching is the whole-school approach to helping children understand feelings and respond to them. Classroom wellbeing baskets contain sensory objects, fidget toys and ear defenders. These are practical resources within the school’s support arrangements. In October 2024, children in early years received attentive care.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process and meet the applicable deadline.
Familiarisation is a different matter. Summer-term transition sessions welcome preschool children from all settings into the Reception classroom, helping them get to know the adults and surroundings before starting. Families can also participate in a home visit. These activities support the change of setting; they do not secure admission.
Contact the school office on 01933 353762 or email schooloffice@alts.northants.sch.uk for enquiries. School visits can be arranged through the office. This gives families a direct opportunity to discuss their child and see the school before making decisions.
No. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate, and families must make a Reception application through the normal process.
Early years provision was judged Good at the inspection on 1 and 2 October 2024. This covers the school’s early years provision together, rather than a separate Nursery judgement.
The EYFS outdoor provision includes a purpose-built riding track, nature area, mud kitchen, water equipment and growing beds.
EYFS arrangements include home visits, stay-and-play sessions, workshops and consultations. Staff also share observations, photographs and children’s work with families.
Contact the school office on 01933 353762 or email schooloffice@alts.northants.sch.uk to arrange a visit.
