--- title: "(Closed) Downham Nursery School — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "This nursery has closed. Downham Nursery School in Downham Market — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/downham-nursery-school-pe38-9qg-ey398091#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/downham-nursery-school-pe38-9qg-ey398091#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/downham-nursery-school-pe38-9qg-ey398091#nursery", "name": "Downham Nursery School", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/downham-nursery-school-pe38-9qg-ey398091", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "168 Lynn Road", "addressLocality": "DOWNHAM MARKET", "postalCode": "PE38 9QG" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/downham-nursery-school-pe38-9qg-ey398091#webpage" }, "telephone": "01366 388755", "email": "admin@downhamnursery.co.uk", "sameAs": [ "https://downhamnursery.co.uk" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 52.608736, "longitude": 0.386037 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "DOWNHAM MARKET" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 0, "suggestedMaxAge": 3 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good" }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/downham-nursery-school-pe38-9qg-ey398091#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "East of England", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=East%20of%20England" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Downham Nursery School", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/downham-nursery-school-pe38-9qg-ey398091" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/downham-nursery-school-pe38-9qg-ey398091#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "When was Downham Nursery School established?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Downham Nursery School opened on Lynn Road in September 2009. It was created by Mrs E Laffeaty-Sharpe to meet rising demand for nursery provision in the town." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What size of nursery is Downham Nursery School?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ofsted records show 47 children on roll, which gives a clear picture of the nursery’s size." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Downham Nursery School take babies?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery accepts children from 0 to 3 years old. Its baby provision begins at 3 months, and the youngest children under 9 months are described separately in the fee structure." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What curriculum approach does Downham Nursery School use?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage and also works with the Every Child Matters framework. Its website also identifies the setting as Montessori, and the curriculum places children’s interests and experiences at the centre." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Downham Nursery School Ofsted registered?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Good, inspected on 05/09/2024." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funded hours does Downham Nursery School accept?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery accepts 15 hours for disadvantaged two-year-olds and 15 universal hours for three- and four-year-olds." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [East of England](/search?region=East+of+England) 4. Downham Nursery School # Downham Nursery School Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Sept 2024) · 168 Lynn Road, DOWNHAM MARKET, PE38 9QG · Norfolk Number of places 50 places Age range 0–3 yrs Last inspected Sept 2024 Local authority Norfolk About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## 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 Approach Established 1984 Ofsted 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-olds 15 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 See 6 more 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. ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Downham Nursery School Inspection date Sept 2024 Inspection no. 10344379 Lead inspector Carly Parkinson Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50259627)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY398091) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number Contact Nursery [ Visit website ](https://downhamnursery.co.uk) 168 Lynn Road, DOWNHAM MARKET, PE38 9QG [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/0.38604/52.60874/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near DOWNHAM MARKET - [Day nurseries in DOWNHAM MARKET](/search?q=DOWNHAM+MARKET) - [Day nurseries in East of England](/search?q=East+of+England) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=downham-nursery-school-pe38-9qg-ey398091) ## Key facts Opening hours Monday to Friday: 8 am to 6.00 pm, 51 weeks of the year 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 Safeguarding effective 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 - 1 build 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 - 2 help staff to develop their teaching skills so that they confidently embrace opportunities to strengthen children's knowledge and understanding even further. Inspection #10344379 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50259627) 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 2024 Good - September 2018 Good - January 2016 Outstanding - March 2010 Outstanding - March 2009 Outstanding ## Frequently asked about Downham Nursery School ### When was Downham Nursery School established? ### What size of nursery is Downham Nursery School? ### Does Downham Nursery School take babies? ### What curriculum approach does Downham Nursery School use? ### Is Downham Nursery School Ofsted registered? ### Which funded hours does Downham Nursery School accept? ## Nearby day nurseries in DOWNHAM MARKET Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Downham Nursery School. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.5 mi ### Puddle Ducks Downham Market · PE38 9ND ](/nursery/puddle-ducks-pe38-9nd-2699597) - [ Awaiting first inspection 1.1 mi ### Giggles N Squiggles Downham Downham Market · PE38 9SW ](/nursery/giggles-n-squiggles-downham-pe38-9sw-2783803) - [ Ofsted: Good 4.2 mi ### Watlington Preschool Kings Lynn · PE33 0HU ](/nursery/watlington-preschool-pe33-0hu-ey433017) [See all nurseries in DOWNHAM MARKET →](/search?q=DOWNHAM+MARKET) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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