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Nursery at The Eresby School, Spilsby
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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, communication and small steps towards independence shape the early years provision at Eresby. Willow Class is its early years group, with learning adapted around each child's development and interests. An outdoor learning area belongs to the early years provision, giving children space to explore beyond the classroom.
This is nursery provision within a special academy in Spilsby, where the school's age range starts at 2. Children have education, health and care plans (EHCPs). The school caters for needs including autism, severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple learning difficulties, so individual support is part of the everyday organisation.
Willow Class follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with play used to develop children's thinking, relationships and emotional skills. Activities extend what interests each child, while sensory resources and specialist equipment support participation indoors and outside. The emphasis is on development at the child's own level.
Communication has a practical purpose here. In June 2025, Ofsted found that young children were learning to indicate what they needed and make choices known. The early years curriculum also helped staff assess development and abilities before identifying a suitable learning pathway for the primary phase. Those observations connect everyday learning with decisions about what comes next.
Across the school, staff use visual prompts, PECS and Makaton to support communication. Independence can start with practising drinking from a cup or using a fork. These are concrete skills with an immediate place in a child's day, rather than distant goals.
Teaching adaptations. At the June 2025 inspection, some teaching across the school needed better adjustment to pupils' needs, leaving some less ready for subsequent learning. Families should keep individual learning targets and the support needed to reach them part of their discussions with staff.
Settling begins with people the child knows. Initial visits can involve a parent or another familiar supporting adult. Before a child joins, the Pastoral Team and pathway staff contact the family; staff also seek contact with the child's existing setting. This gives the class team information about the child before the placement starts.
Personal care is handled by class teams, and staff receive training for moving and handling. Medical training is matched to individual needs. NHS professionals contribute speech and language support, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, with therapy allocated according to need rather than a fixed package for every child.
The school kitchen prepares hot food adapted to individual requirements. Care and learning can therefore be discussed together, including the child's eating and medical needs. Class teachers are the everyday contact for parents, supported by their classroom colleagues. Home-school diaries, calls and emails provide ways to exchange information, alongside termly parent consultations and an annual report.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. At Eresby, placement depends on the local authority and an EHCP naming the school. Discuss the Reception placement with your child's local authority SEND caseworker, keeping the placement decision separate from classroom transition activities.
Reception transition includes an event where children and their families spend time playing in their new classroom and get to know the class team. This is preparation for the change, rather than an admissions advantage.
Eresby follows Lincolnshire's school term calendar. Enquiries go to enquiries@eresbyspecialschool.co.uk or 01790 752441. Families are invited to visit and discuss transition arrangements tailored to their child.
The shared enquiry mailbox is read by several people, so avoid including confidential information in an initial email. Use that first contact to arrange a conversation about your child and the placement process.
Willow Class is Eresby's early years group. It follows the EYFS through play and activities adapted to children's interests and needs.
Yes. The early years provision has an outdoor learning area, and Willow Class uses both indoor and outdoor environments.
An initial visit can include a familiar adult. The Pastoral Team and pathway staff contact families before children join, and transition arrangements are planned individually.
No. Placement at Eresby is decided by the local authority through an EHCP naming the school. Discuss the Reception placement with your child's SEND caseworker.
Class teachers are the main everyday contact. Families can communicate through home-school diaries, email and telephone, as well as termly consultations.
