Cotmanhay Infant and Nursery School

About Cotmanhay Infant and Nursery School

Cotmanhay Infant and Nursery School is a state primary in the Derbyshire local authority, serving children aged 2 to 7 in the Erewash borough. Among the 353 primary schools in the county, the top-ranked peers are Wessington Primary School, Redhill Primary School, and Longford CofE Primary School, all of which share a perfect ranking score of 100. Cotmanhay itself sits in a different position, reflecting its distinct local context. The school is oversubscribed for the 2025/26 intake, with 84 applications for 56 places and 55 first-preference offers made, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.5. This level of demand suggests that local families see it as a solid option for early years and infant education. The school has a nursery provision on site, which fits its age range and helps families transition children into formal schooling from age two.

Academically, Cotmanhay has made clear progress since its previous Ofsted inspection. In March 2018, the school was rated Requires Improvement overall, with leadership and management also at that level. By its most recent graded inspection in November 2021, it had improved to a Good rating across all five assessed areas: overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision. The early years provision, previously graded as Requires Improvement, is now Good. The school does not publish Key Stage 2 results because its pupils leave at age 7, so there is no Progress 8 or SATs data to compare against the Derbyshire average of 59. However, the Ofsted trajectory from Requires Improvement to Good within three years indicates a school that has addressed its weaknesses and stabilised its leadership under headteacher Katy Latchford.

The school offers a range of facilities including an outdoor playground, music rooms, a sports hall, library, forest school, and chapel. Sports provision covers netball, tennis, cross country, gymnastics, rounders, and athletics, while clubs include science, art, coding, and chess. For families with children who have additional needs, Cotmanhay lists SEND provisions for moderate learning difficulty, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication difficulties, autistic spectrum disorder, and other difficulties or disabilities. With 72 per cent of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a community with high levels of disadvantage, and its oversubscription suggests it is valued locally. This is a school that suits families seeking a Good-rated infant and nursery option within the Derbyshire state system, particularly those who want a broad range of clubs and SEND support from an early age.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Cotmanhay Infant and Nursery School

Helpful Guides for Parents