Crosby Primary School Nursery Review

Play, conversation and early number learning shape the start at Crosby, where Ladybird is the nursery class within the school's Foundation Stage. Based on Normanby Road in Scunthorpe, this is the school's own nursery provision, with an early education curriculum that combines children's choices with activities led by adults.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 12 and 13 September 2023. That judgement covers the early years as part of the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Choice and adult guidance share the learning day. Children initiate some activities, while adults direct others: there is room to pursue an interest alongside learning that a teacher has planned. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, move, manage feelings and relationships, explore the world, create, and begin working with words and numbers.

Language has a clear role. Crosby aims to help children communicate through play and conversation, with opportunities to practise speaking and listening in different situations. Books, poems and other reading materials encourage an interest in written language. Creative work includes role-play, dance, art and music, giving children different ways to express ideas and feelings. Nursery children also take part in performances.

Number learning includes counting, recognising quantities, exploring patterns and describing shape and size. Across the early years, examples include counting outside and using five frames, while physical activities develop balance and coordination. These connect early learning with practical activity rather than making it solely a seated exercise.

The September 2023 early years findings connect two useful features for parents: effective teaching of reading and mathematics, and adult conversations that expanded children's knowledge and vocabulary. Children were curious and involved in learning. They also picked up routines promptly.

Support for additional needs sits within the school's SEND arrangements. Identification draws on staff observations, information from previous settings and contact with external agencies. Families who have concerns are directed to their child's teacher, giving them a clear starting point for discussing support.

The SEND coordinator holds the National SENCO Award qualification. Children's progress is assessed and reviewed at least three times a year, and parents can discuss progress at termly SEND reviews. Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy are among the specialist services from which the school seeks advice.

For children learning English, Crosby supports continued use of their home languages. A dedicated room provides guided group learning through games and play for children new to English. These are school support arrangements, alongside an Inclusion Team that includes family support and pupil support roles.

Attending Crosby's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and securing a school place as separate decisions.

For children with SEND, support between year groups includes sharing their needs with the next teacher and helping them feel comfortable in their new class. This concerns continuity of care, rather than an admissions advantage.

Nursery enquiries can be made through the school office on (01724) 844216 or by email to admin.crosbyprimary@northlincs.gov.uk. Crosby also provides an online form for registering nursery interest. For school admission enquiries, families are directed to North Lincolnshire School Admissions Information.