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High aspirations and individualised provision are central to the ethos of Alfreton Nursery School in Derbyshire, as part of its commitment to inclusive practice and meeting the needs of all children, including the more able.

A NACE member since 2014, Alfreton Nursery School attained NACE Challenge Award accreditation in 2017, reaccreditation in 2022, and is now working towards third accreditation and NACE Challenge Ambassador status. A local authority maintained school, it has been rated outstanding for over 20 years and is a strong regional leader – providing a wide range of CPD and support, and leading the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Early Years Stronger Practice Hub.

Deputy Headteacher Amanda Hubball leads on Alfreton’s work with NACE, and as a NACE Associate she is regularly involved in contributing to NACE events, research and online content. Amanda and her colleagues are passionate about the importance of explicit more able provision and high aspirations for all from the earliest stage, and of developing metacognitive skills for all children as a foundation for future success. Working with the NACE Challenge Framework, which underpins the Challenge Award, has been key to the school’s continued development in this area.

As the More Able Lead, Amanda says working within the NACE community helps to keep driving the momentum forward. She appreciates the wide range of development opportunities available alongside the Challenge Framework, embracing opportunities to network and to access current international research.

“Alfreton Nursery School embraces challenge both for the children and for the school as a whole,” Amanda explains. “We are constantly seeking next steps for development and ensure that all opportunities for reflection and refinement of practice are seized. The latest element of provision to receive scrutiny and enhancement is the freedom for children to choose their level of challenge within continuous provision. Inspiring children to develop a mindset of ‘wanting to know more’ is increasing rates of progress across the curriculum.”

She concludes: “We see NACE as a critical friend, always there to support the endless and exciting journey of growth, which ultimately works towards the highest standards of education for all children.”