Hartshorne CofE Primary School Nursery Review

An early years classroom, a dedicated member of staff for the youngest children and a choice between mornings and full days define Hartshorne’s governor-run nursery. Children can join after their third birthday; two-year-olds are outside its intake. The nursery sits within Hartshorne CofE Primary School on Main Street, with sessions overseen by the Early Years teacher.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 21 and 22 May 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. It also comes with a specific concern about how consistently planned learning translates into activities and adult conversations.

Play provides the starting point for learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together care, development and learning, with experiences matched to children’s developmental stage. Its foundations are movement, relationships and emotional development, alongside speaking and listening. These connect with early number work, reading and writing, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, the emphasis is on developing skills through play rather than treating the nursery session as a sequence of formal subjects.

Children use the early years classroom, and the school gives outdoor learning equal status alongside learning indoors. The approach names the Seven Features of Effective Practice. Super Sounds appears on the phonics page for children aged three to four, with book recommendations and a song book. At home, the Communication and Language resources include Talking Time activity cards, while Count with me supports early mathematical learning.

In May 2024, early years planning was careful and children were achieving well. Delivery was less consistent: some activities gave too little attention to the prime learning areas, and adult exchanges did not reliably develop speech and language. Language support. This was a specific improvement priority, making the purpose of adult conversation an important consideration when assessing the nursery day.

One staff member has a dedicated role with the youngest children, under the Early Years teacher’s supervision. This gives families a clear picture of the team structure around nursery sessions. The nursery admissions information also lists Stay and Play sessions; ask the school about current arrangements.

Milk and a snack are included at no additional charge. Children staying for a full day can bring a packed lunch or have a charged school dinner. Meals follow Derbyshire County Council’s menu, and families needing a medical diet have an application route. Check current meal charges with the school.

For additional needs, the SENCO can be contacted through the office. The school’s curriculum policy requires teachers to adapt learning for pupils with SEND. Parent letters are sent electronically through MS Sway; paper copies can be requested from the office.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; Hartshorne’s admissions route is Derbyshire County Council.

The nursery’s location within the early years classroom provides familiarity with the school setting. Keep that practical continuity separate from the allocation of a Reception place.

Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am. Full days start at 8:45am and finish at 3:15pm, matching the school day. Funding can cover nursery costs, and paid sessions are also offered; contact the school for current charges.

For nursery enquiries, telephone 01283 217423 or email info@hartshorne.derbyshire.sch.uk. Prospective families can arrange a visit in advance. Families needing care before or after the school day are directed to local provision through Derbyshire’s childcare search.