Albert Village Primary School Nursery Review

A mobile classroom gives Albert Village’s nursery its own base within the primary school. It belongs to the Foundation Stage, alongside Reception, so this is a school nursery with a distinct teaching space rather than a class inside the main building. For parents, that physical arrangement is a useful starting point for understanding where nursery life takes place.

The nursery aims to include children with different needs and abilities. Its support arrangements involve a nursery manager, a SENCO responsible for special educational needs, and children’s key persons. These roles give families several routes for discussing their child’s care and learning.

Learning sits within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the early education phase that builds the foundations for later learning. Foundation Stage planning covers language and communication, mathematical development, creativity, physical development, understanding the world, and personal and social development. The emphasis is broader than early reading or number work: children’s relationships, movement and expression also belong in the learning programme.

Activities are planned around children’s developmental stages and individual needs. That matters for a nursery group whose children may need different starting points or different ways to join an activity. In November 2024, Ofsted found that curriculum planning considered young children’s development and needs within the early years.

Settling into routines receives attention. In November 2024, staff helped early-years children become familiar with school routines promptly, a useful finding for families concerned about the first weeks away from home.

For a child with additional needs, the nursery SENCO or manager meets the family at admission to gather information. Staff discuss concerns, observe children and use assessments to help identify support needs. Parents are involved in conversations about changes to learning activities and any targeted plan.

Those plans specify short-term goals, strategies, a review date and measures of success. The SENCO checks that plans are updated and used by the adults working with the child. Where appropriate, parents and professionals contribute to a SEND support plan. Concerns begin with the child’s key person and can then be raised with the SENCO and manager, giving families a clear sequence for seeking help.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route. Leicestershire residents apply online through Leicestershire County Council; Derbyshire residents use Derbyshire County Council.

Preparation for the move is separate from admission. Children starting Reception can visit before their start date. For children with special educational needs, the nursery SENCO or manager liaises with the SENCO at the next setting, helping information about the child’s needs travel with them.

The nursery is on Occupation Road in Albert Village, Swadlincote. Nursery enquiries can be made by telephone on 01283 552748. The school office also handles enquiries on 01283 217880 or at office@albertvillage.risemat.co.uk, with a contact form providing another way to send a message.