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Nursery at Willoughby Road Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 follows children’s interests here, with natural materials and a large shared outdoor area giving the nursery its character. Willoughby Road Primary Academy’s nursery in Scunthorpe forms part of the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit. Children normally begin in September after turning three; younger starters within that age group may join later in the school year if space allows.
Language is a central thread. The academy works with Voice 21 on speaking and listening, while classroom responsibilities give nursery children an early chance to contribute to their group. These are practical foundations for expressing ideas and taking responsibility.
Early Excellence Pedagogy shapes the approach: adults teach through play, follow children’s interests and adjust activities to reflect the seasons. The EYFS combines learning with children’s personal and physical development. Staff assess what children know when they join, then check their learning during the year to shape additional support.
The nursery belongs to a unit that can open into a larger learning space. During extended provision, children can explore its different areas through play, including activities supporting maths and personal development. Natural resources feature prominently, and the shared outdoor area supports movement, coordination and smaller hand movements. Activities respond to children’s developmental needs.
The summer term programme included The Rhyming Rabbit for storytelling, with journeys providing a link to sequencing and positional language in maths. Nursery rhymes, life cycles and Drawing Club added different ways to explore language and ideas. Later activities focused on pencil grip and forming shapes, connecting creative work with the physical preparation for writing.
In April 2025, Ofsted found that nursery speaking and listening work supported the foundations of writing, and that established routines helped children behave well. Across the school, some pupils had insecure knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling and handwriting. Writing remained an improvement priority: the early writing approach needed more time to become established, with foundational knowledge a focus from early years. That gives families a useful balance between the language emphasis and the work still needed on writing.
Settling starts with contact before entry. Foundation Stage staff meet parents, and nursery home visits help the team gather information about each child. Previous settings and relevant professionals can contribute too, so support can be planned around familiar needs.
For children with SEND, teaching can be adapted alongside classmates, with small groups or individual help where needed. DELTA Graduated Response plans involve parents, and review meetings take place at least three times a year. The premises have adaptations for access by children with physical disabilities.
Academy catering is supplied by TNS, with menus changing each term and four choices daily. Drinking water is freely accessible, and reusable bottles are encouraged. Intimate care must be provided by appropriately trained staff, with explanations to the child and respect for privacy.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through North Lincolnshire Local Authority Admissions; the deadline is generally January before the September start. For the 2027/28 intake, nursery attendance gives no priority: allocation uses the applicable admission criteria.
Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEND moving between classes, teachers exchange information beforehand, children spend time in their new classroom, and extra visits can help those anxious about change.
Nursery uniform includes a royal blue jumper, cardigan or sweatshirt, grey or black trousers or a skirt, and a white top. Logos are optional on the blue layer. Label clothing and coats to help keep belongings together.
Contact the office on 01724 842608 or email info@wrpacademy.org.uk for enquiries. Visits can be arranged through the academy, giving families an opportunity to meet the setting before applying.
The usual start is September after their third birthday. If places are available, children turning three later may start after Christmas or Easter.
Early Excellence Pedagogy guides learning through play, children’s interests and seasonal activities. Staff assess learning and adjust provision to children’s needs.
Yes. A large outdoor area is shared by nursery and Reception children, with activities supporting physical development.
No, for the 2027/28 intake. Attendance also does not guarantee a place. A separate application goes through North Lincolnshire Local Authority Admissions, generally by January before the September start.
Parents help develop support plans and attend reviews. Those whose children require a DELTA Graduated Response plan have review meetings at least three times a year.
