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Nursery at Church Gresley Infant and Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A large outdoor area, clay to shape and a library book to take home: Church Gresley’s nursery gives three and four year olds several ways to explore. Its purpose-built accommodation sits on the infant school site, with children organised into three mixed-age groups. Lovely Ladybirds attend mornings, Caring Caterpillars afternoons and Beautiful Butterflies full days.
Children can join from the term following their third birthday. For 2027/28, the nursery has 52 places per session, including up to 26 extended-entitlement places, subject to availability. The nursery teacher holds qualified teacher status; teaching assistants have NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualifications. That gives parents a clear picture of the team supporting the children.
Learning combines indoor activities with outdoor exploration. The Early Years Foundation Stage brings together movement, communication and relationships with early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. In everyday terms, children work with construction materials, explore sand and water, practise recognising sounds and make marks that lead towards writing.
Clay and plasticine give small hands something to manipulate; imaginative play gives children reasons to talk. Technology includes Beebots and iPads. Outdoors is part of nursery life in every weather, so wellies kept at nursery and a coat children can manage themselves have a practical purpose.
Books also travel home. Children choose a library book each week, exchanging it on Wednesdays, giving families a regular opportunity to read and discuss stories together. At the January 2024 inspection, children were learning the building blocks of language and sounds from the start of Nursery. A separate school-wide concern was that teaching did not consistently keep pupils focused on the intended learning; this was a curriculum-delivery issue across the school, rather than a nursery-specific judgement.
Settling begins with a session alongside a parent or carer before admission. New starters join in groups of two to four, and children who struggle to settle receive an individual support plan. The nursery aims for children to become familiar with their key person and confident enough to join play independently. This makes the first weeks about relationships as well as routines.
Daily food arrangements distinguish snacks from lunch. Milk and fruit are free, water is offered instead of milk, and an additional daily snack carries a charge. Full-day children bring a packed lunch. Families should discuss dietary needs with staff and provide a labelled water bottle. Beds are available within the early years provision for children needing sleep.
Seesaw shares learning information, while TheSchoolApp carries notices. Parent interviews and a progress report in the final nursery term add opportunities to discuss development. For additional needs, the SENDCo can seek Early Years Inclusion Funding for nursery children; support targets are reviewed with parents each term. The nursery unit has an adapted toilet. In January 2024, early years children were happy and felt safe.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application to Derbyshire local authority by 15 January before the September of entry. For 2027/28, nursery attendance is not a Reception priority criterion, so familiarity with the school should not be mistaken for an admissions advantage.
Transition support is a separate matter. Children spend time with their next teacher and class during the summer term. Where needed, photographic social stories help families prepare at home, and staff pass information about children’s needs between teachers.
Morning sessions run from 08:35 to 11:35, afternoons from 12:20 to 15:20 and full days from 08:35 to 15:25. For 2027/28, the universal entitlement pattern is five morning or afternoon sessions, with a minimum of five funded sessions taken here. Eligible families can access extended funding, subject to availability, and must obtain an eligibility code before admission and renew it every three months.
Additional time and extras. The full-day pattern exceeds 30 funded hours and includes charged additional time. Additional hours depend on availability and the child’s needs; families receive a contract. Voluntary contributions are also requested for some visits and celebrations. Ask the school for current charges.
Enquiries and nursery forms go through the school office on 01283 217357. Uniform includes a red jumper or cardigan, a white or red polo shirt and grey trousers or a skirt. Tell staff if another adult will collect your child; late arrivals and early collections go through the main office. Parking nearby is limited, and school car parks are reserved for staff and official visitors.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday. The groups include three and four year olds.
Mornings are 08:35 to 11:35, afternoons 12:20 to 15:20 and full days 08:35 to 15:25.
No. A separate application to Derbyshire local authority is required by 15 January before September entry. Nursery attendance is not a priority criterion for 2027/28.
Full-day children bring a packed lunch. Milk and fruit are provided free each day, while the additional daily snack is charged.
A child attends a session with a parent or carer before starting. New starters are staggered in groups of two to four, with an individual plan if settling proves difficult.
