Emneth Nursery School Review

Children’s ideas shape the learning at Emneth, where Reggio Emilia principles put creative exploration alongside play. This is a nursery school with 100 places for children aged 3-5, alongside day care serving children from 3 months to 5 years. The distinction matters: families can choose nursery education or care extending across more of the year.

On Hollycroft Road in Emneth, the learning spaces include Pippins for 0-2 years, Orchards for 3-4 years and the Main Garden. Indoor activities and outdoor exploration have equal weight in the curriculum, so learning extends beyond the classroom.

Play provides the starting point. Adults join children’s activities, develop their thinking and use those exchanges to plan what comes next. Projects follow children’s interests with adult guidance. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers development, learning and care up to age five; here, that framework sits alongside an approach influenced by Reggio Emilia.

Outside, Forest Schools practice introduces responsibility and opportunities to judge manageable risks. Bug hotels, planting and bird feeders give children practical ways to explore living things. A sustainability shed stores reusable materials for creative activities. These are resources children can investigate and use, rather than decoration around the learning space.

During the October 2024 inspection, familiar songs helped children recognise changes between parts of a session, while small groups supported attentive listening and adults demonstrated language children could use. Children also chose the materials needed for activities themselves. Independence was built into ordinary tasks.

Experiences extend into the community. In May 2025, children shared stories, painted flowers and planted sunflower seeds with residents at Rose Lodge Care Home. That brought their interest in plants into conversation with another generation. Back in each room, a mindfulness area is used daily, with yoga and mindfulness activities also included during group and lunch times.

A home visit before starting gives families time to discuss what their child needs to bring. Comforters can come in a child’s bag, and parents are welcome to stay and play. Daily conversations with the key person give families another way to share achievements and concerns.

Opal connects learning at nursery and home: parents receive notifications of new observations or photographs and can contribute their own. Every six months, the key person prepares a snapshot of interests, learning and next steps, involving parents by telephone or in a meeting. A review follows after two months, giving families a further progress update.

Hot meals come from Aspens and are cooked to order at Emneth Academy; families can bring a packed lunch instead. Meal adaptations for dietary needs require confirmation from a GP and dietician. Children receive a compartment lunchbox when they start, helping parents organise portions.

The headteacher coordinates SEND support, and families can arrange a discussion through the office. In October 2024, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described additional teaching and adult support that helped children with SEND progress rapidly through the curriculum.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for primary school as separate decisions.

Children have visited Emneth Academy and joined its Reception class for Kixx PE sessions. This offers experience of learning alongside older children; it confers no promise of admission.

Term-time mornings run from 8.30am to 11.30am, afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, and full days from 8.30am to 3.30pm. All-year care starts at 8am, with morning sessions ending at 12.30pm and afternoon or full-day care ending at 5pm, or 4pm on Wednesdays. All-year places are limited, and the nursery expects at least three sessions where spaces permit.

Funding can be stretched for all-year children. From September 2025, the nursery offers funded entitlement within its term-time and all-year session hours; food remains chargeable. Ask the school for current charges. All-year care includes Christmas and summer closures as well as bank holidays, so families need cover for those breaks.

Bring spare clothes suited to messy activities. Waterproof suits and wellies are supplied, although families may bring their own. To arrange a family visit, contact the office at office@emneth-nur.norfolk.sch.uk or call 01945 582 401.