Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 8 am to 6.00 pm, 51 weeks of the year
Downham Nursery School
Ofsted: Good
(Sept 2024)
Number of places
50 places
Age range
0–3 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2024
Local authority
Norfolk
About this day nursery
Downham Nursery School, established in 1984 by Mrs. Laffeaty-Sharpe, originated as the Downham Montessori Nursery. Initially founded in conjunction with a primary school, both institutions relocated to a larger premises in Stow Bardolph due to growing demand.
In 2009, Downham Nursery School opened its doors on Lynn Road to address the increasing need for nursery provisions in the town. This nursery is dedicated to adhering to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, ensuring a structured approach to learning, development, and care for children up to five years old.
It also embraces the Every Child Matters Framework, which prioritises children's well-being and aims to prevent future difficulties by building support services around their needs. The school undergoes regular inspections by Ofsted, with the latest report available for review at the school office.
Affiliated with the East Anglian Montessori Association and the Pre-School Learning Alliance, the nursery actively participates in the LEA's Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). With its convenient location on the main road, the nursery is accessible to many families on foot and offers a dedicated car park for those travelling further.
Our ethos
Downham Nursery School is committed to adhering to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum and embraces the Every Child Matters Framework. The nursery's pedagogical approach is rooted in these frameworks, prioritising children's well-being and structured learning and development.
What it's like
Children enjoy their time at this welcoming and homely nursery. Staff implement individualised settling-in sessions and gather a wealth of information from parents about their child, helping them to get to know the children well from the start. As a result, children quickly develop strong bonds with staff.
Montessori ApproachEstablished 1984Ofsted Inspected
Pricing & funding
Fees are structured by age groups including under 9 months, 3 months to 2 years, and 2 to 3 years. The nursery offers morning, afternoon, lunch, full day, and extended day sessions during term time, with holiday care also available.
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)
- Baby Unit (3 months - 2 years) Morning Session£36 / session
- Baby Unit (3 months - 2 years) Lunchtime£10 / hour
- Baby Unit (3 months - 2 years) Afternoon Session£36 / session
- Baby Unit (3 months - 2 years) Full Day£76 / day
- Baby Unit (3 months - 2 years) Extended Day£89.50 / day
Good to know
- Open 8am to 6pm during term times, with additional holiday care available.
- Additional time outside of standard sessions is charged per half hour.
- Special reduced weekly and half-day packages are offered for babies under 9 months.
- Discounted rates are applied to full day and extended day sessions.
Key facts
Session types
Morning Half Day, Afternoon Half Day, Full Day, Full Week, Morning Session, Afternoon Session, Extended Day
Age range
3 months - 3 years+
Term time / All Year
All Year
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Downham Nursery School
Last inspected 5 September 2024 · Carly Parkinson
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Children enjoy their time at this welcoming and homely nursery. Staff implement individualised settling-in sessions and gather a wealth of information from parents about their child, helping them to get to know the children well from the start. As a result, children quickly develop strong bonds with staff.
Inspector highlights
- The leadership team has a clear drive to provide the best possible care for children and create a curriculum with children's interests and experiences at the centre.
- Staff implement a range of opportunities and strategies to develop children's love of books, providing cosy book areas, sharing story sacks and encouraging children to bring in their favourite book from home.
- Children engage in conversations with staff throughout the day, and staff use these opportunities to enhance and extend children's knowledge.
- Staff provide children with opportunities to support their independence and develop their sense of responsibility, such as helping to set the table and care for animals.
- The leadership team is highly supportive of the staff and is committed to ensuring staff's well-being, with staff reporting feeling valued and well supported.
Areas to develop
- 1build on staff's knowledge of the curriculum intent so that they are clear about the skills and knowledge they want children to acquire during their time at the nursery
- 2help staff to develop their teaching skills so that they confidently embrace opportunities to strengthen children's knowledge and understanding even further.
Inspection #10344379 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well. Staff know the children well and successfully plan to meet their needs, working with other agencies and parents to ensure consistency and sharing of information so that all children make good progress.
Outdoor space
After discovering a hedgehog in the nursery garden, children built a hedgehog home. Through discussion with a local hedgehog expert, they learned what hedgehogs need to survive.
Inspection history
Date: March 2009
- September 2024Good
- September 2018Good
- January 2016Outstanding
- March 2010Outstanding
- March 2009Outstanding
Frequently asked about Downham Nursery School
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