Newhall Infant School Nursery Review

An outdoor learning garden and two large indoor learning spaces give Caterpillars room to follow children's interests. This is Newhall Infant School's nursery class at Sunnyside, with capacity for up to 39 children. Entry starts in the September following a child's third birthday, and nursery applications cover children aged 3–4.

Play shapes the provision. A nursery team runs Caterpillars, while the wider EYFS team plans its curriculum together. At the July 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children in early years approached learning positively and developed communication and social skills. These findings concern early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery judgement.

The morning starts with supported classroom play from 8:50am until 9:30am. Singing and an introduction to the day's learning follow. From 9:50am, children move between outdoor and indoor activities, with staff bringing in guided tasks. Outdoor learning continues whatever the weather, making the garden part of the ordinary session.

At 11:00am, a story accompanies a snack and drink. More play follows before a short group session practising key skills. Morning children leave at 11:55am. Those staying longer wash their hands before lunch, then use the main playground. Afternoon singing and skills practice lead into another extended period of play, followed by a story and phonics activities before collection at 3:10pm.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives this play a learning purpose. Its seven areas bring together language, relationships, movement, early literacy and maths, creativity, and understanding the world. Short sessions guided by adults introduce reading, writing and mathematical ideas; activities children can choose independently are adjusted weekly around their interests. That gives children opportunities to revisit learning through their own play.

Little Wandle's Foundation for Phonics concentrates on listening and recognising sounds, alongside enjoyment of books. White Rose Maths supplies the nursery's early mathematics approach. The classroom also has its own toilets, keeping everyday care facilities within the nursery learning environment.

Food punctuates the day. The morning snack comes with water, milk or juice, while children staying all day eat in the school hall between noon and 1:00pm. Families can provide a packed lunch or buy a school meal; dinners are free for children eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium. Midday supervisors support the lunchtime routine.

For additional needs, the school's SENCo coordinates provision. Assessment, observation, conversations with parents and advice from external professionals inform support, which can include individual or small-group work and changes to activities or the environment. Parents take part in planning and review meetings, so support can be discussed and adjusted together.

The school also provides Nurture Group and Positive Play sessions through Early Help. Families can communicate by telephone, email, Tapestry or face to face. Safeguarding procedures require staff to record welfare concerns and pass them to a designated lead that day; a safeguarding lead is present during school hours in term time.

Attending Caterpillars does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery applications go directly to the school, but families must make a separate Reception application through Derbyshire County Council. The admissions page gives 15 January as the closing date and advises checking the council's dates for the relevant year.

Shared space can support familiarity independently of admissions: nursery children use the Early Years outdoor area alongside Reception. For children receiving SEND support, transition arrangements include information sharing with new teachers and extra visits where needed. These practices support the move between settings; they do not secure admission.

The 15-hour funded option is a morning session, 8:50am–11:55am. The 30-hour funded option runs from 8:50am to 3:10pm, including lunch. Children qualifying for 15 hours can extend their day by purchasing afternoon sessions through ParentPay. Contact the school for current charges.

Koala Club accepts nursery children before and after the nursery day: 8:00am–8:45am and 3:15pm–4:00pm. Breakfast is free during the morning club. ParentPay bookings can cover individual sessions or a whole week, giving families a choice of booking pattern.

Nursery doors close at 8:55am; arrivals after 9:00am go through the school office. Collection uses the nursery door. Apply using the online Nursery Application Form, or contact enquiries@newhallinfants.co.uk or 01283 216496. Visits can be arranged through the same contact details.