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Nursery at Irthlingborough Nursery and Infant 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An open-plan room where children can reach their own resources gives this nursery its defining character: choosing, trying and returning to a favourite activity. The nursery at Irthlingborough Nursery and Infant School takes children aged 3–4, on the school's Scarborough Street site in Irthlingborough.
Independence shapes the approach. Children can move between resources and decide what to explore, while adults support their play. The nursery believes that following children's interests, offering practical experiences and allowing repetition help them learn. That makes the freedom to choose part of the learning itself.
Language runs through the day. In July 2023, Ofsted found that early-years adults joined imaginative play to develop children's vocabulary and assess their understanding. A child's chosen game becomes a chance to practise conversation, with an adult adding words and checking what the child means.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines play with opportunities to develop skills. Here, Helicopter stories gives nursery children practice in telling stories aloud. Letters and Sounds supplies the Phase One foundations for phonics, while Kinetic Letters begins with building the physical strength needed for writing. These are distinct starting points: speaking, listening and physical preparation, rather than simply putting pencil to paper.
Mathematics progresses through small steps, using objects and pictures to make ideas tangible. Drawing begins in nursery too. Across the EYFS, children experiment with art materials and tools to express their thoughts; music involves singing, movement and instruments. These activities give children several ways to communicate an idea before they can write it down.
Movement has a daily place indoors and outside. Foundation Stage children can use activities and resources that develop both larger movements and finer hand control. Games, dance, songs and yoga also feature inside and outdoors, so physical development extends beyond a single lesson.
The nursery team includes a lead teacher and early years practitioners. The nursery lead also holds a deputy safeguarding role, linking the nursery team to the school's safeguarding arrangements. Families can raise welfare concerns with designated safeguarding staff or the family support workers.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is organised around the individual child. Where extra help is needed, a SEND Support Plan identifies needs, sets targets and explains the support to be given. If difficulties persist despite that support, the school considers an Education and Health Care Plan application. This gives families a defined process for discussing needs and reviewing help.
Regular information is sent to parents, and the school also uses Facebook and Instagram for updates. Communication therefore continues beyond conversations with staff.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; choosing the nursery should remain a decision about the nursery experience itself.
Transition support is a separate matter. For the summer 2026 transition, the school planned extra classroom visits where needed and booklets to help children understand the change over the holidays. Familiarity can help a child prepare, but it does not secure admission.
Sessions run during term time, Monday to Friday, for 38 weeks a year. Families can choose mornings, 9.00–11.30am, or afternoons, 12.30–3pm; a six-hour day runs from 9am to 3pm. The shorter sessions offer a different rhythm from the full day, making the booking pattern an important practical choice.
Both 15-hour and 30-hour funded places are offered for children aged 3–4. An additional morning or afternoon can make up the 15-hour entitlement. Paid sessions beyond funded hours depend on spaces being available.
For nursery enquiries or to arrange a visit and meet the team, telephone 01933 654900. A nursery application form is also available.
The nursery offers places for children aged 3–4.
Morning sessions run from 9.00 to 11.30am, afternoons from 12.30 to 3pm, and six-hour sessions from 9am to 3pm.
Yes. The nursery offers 15-hour and 30-hour funded places for children aged 3–4, with provision running for 38 weeks a year during term time.
No. Families need to make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process.
Call 01933 654900 to arrange to see the nursery and meet the team.
