The Pond Nursery at Laurel Lane Primary School

Learning to wait, share and find the words to explain an idea gives The Pond its character. This is Laurel Lane Primary School’s nursery provision for children aged two to four in West Drayton. It sits within the school, with a sensory room in The Pond itself giving its support arrangements a concrete physical focus.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 21 and 22 January 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Language and social development give the learning a clear direction. In January 2025, children in early years developed their vocabulary through both familiar words and language connected to different subjects. The practical benefit is being able to explain what they are learning, rather than simply taking part in an activity.

Planning draws on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Here, the early years emphasis includes managing emotions, learning patience and listening to other children: skills that help a child participate in a group as well as develop knowledge.

The physical layout has included separate indoor areas for different nursery age groups. In June 2022, children used a shared outdoor space with bikes and opportunities to climb. Those activities give movement a place alongside indoor learning. The January 2025 early years findings also describe children making good progress in their learning, with routines helping them develop social confidence.

Settling was a strength in early years in January 2025: children adapted quickly and were happy in the care they received. Practising turn-taking and managing feelings formed part of that experience. For a child beginning group care, those everyday habits matter alongside learning new words.

A sensory room within The Pond provides a specific space within the school’s SEND provision. Support can involve adapting resources, changing routines or adjusting the sensory surroundings, according to individual needs. These are individual arrangements, so the useful question is how a particular child’s support will work through the nursery session.

The school’s inclusion structure brings together a SEND coordinator, learning support assistants and a learning mentor. Parents are involved when additional needs are identified, with consultations and review meetings providing opportunities to discuss support. Personal learning plans or pupil passports typically receive a termly review, allowing targets to be reconsidered with families as needs change.

Attending The Pond does not guarantee a Reception place at Laurel Lane. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process. For children starting in September 2027, the application deadline is Friday 15 January 2027. Familiarity with the school should not be mistaken for an admission entitlement.

Transition support is a separate matter. Across the school, additional help for children with SEND can include more time in the next classroom, visual timetables, social stories and sessions with their next teacher. These arrangements address the child’s preparation for change; they do not secure a place.

Nursery enquiries can go to the school office on 01895 462360 or to laurellane@fraysacademytrust.org. An online enquiry form also allows families to select Admissions as the recipient. The school is on Laurel Lane, West Drayton, UB7 7TX. Questions about additional needs can be directed to the SEND coordinator through the same school contact details.