Ashleigh Primary School and Nursery, Wymondham: Nursery Review

Counting classmates’ favourite colours, practising writing and climbing large outdoor equipment give Ashleigh’s nursery review its character: learning takes practical forms here. At the June 2024 inspection, the school-run nursery on Sheffield Road in Wymondham provided part-time provision and a wraparound offer. That combination brought nursery education and additional care into the same school setting.

In June 2024, Ofsted described the early-years provision as exceptional, with an organised learning environment and adults who understood children’s needs. This is evidence about the school’s early years, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Everyday tasks become opportunities to use developing skills. In June 2024, children used mathematical reasoning when putting equipment away, sorting items as part of tidying. Counting and tallying also had a social purpose: finding out which colours other children preferred. Numbers were attached to something children could discuss and compare, giving mathematical ideas a practical use.

The early years foundation stage learning described here connects communication, creativity, writing and physical development. Children worked on creative skills and kept trying as they practised writing. The organisation of the learning space encouraged them to return to things they had already learnt. For parents, the useful distinction is that practice happened through activities as well as adult interaction.

Outside, large equipment gave children opportunities to climb and jump. These activities developed physical skills and confidence together. Nursery activities also prepared children exceptionally well for beginning phonics in Reception, linking their nursery learning to the next stage of learning to read.

The Orchard offered early-years children a calm space in June 2024. Adults understood individual needs and had frequent, purposeful exchanges with children. These supported language, communication and the expression of feelings. The combination matters: children had somewhere calmer to spend time, alongside adults who helped them put experiences and emotions into words.

For children learning English as an additional language, the school uses bilingual stories, visual prompts and the word aware approach where appropriate. Staff work with parents to understand children’s needs and help them become familiar with routines. This gives families a role in explaining the support their child may need.

School care arrangements also include first-aid supplies in classrooms and the office. Prescribed medicines are administered using Norfolk Schools guidance and documentation.

Attending Ashleigh’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate processes: families must apply again through the normal Reception application route and meet its deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the later school-place application as separate decisions.

Preparation for learning is a different question from admission. The nursery’s phonics preparation was a clear strength in June 2024; that educational preparation does not secure a place.

At the June 2024 inspection, part-time nursery provision was accompanied by a wraparound offer. Ask the school to confirm current session and care arrangements before planning the nursery session and any additional hours.

The school office can be contacted on 01953 602410 or at office@ashleigh.norfolk.sch.uk. The address is Sheffield Road, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0HL.