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Nursery at Rufford Primary and Nursery School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A separate Foundation building gives Rufford’s youngest children their own base within the school site. Nursery/F1 caters for children aged 3–4, with 26 morning places and 26 afternoon places, alongside a 30-hour childcare option. The nursery shares this building with Reception, making it part of the school’s early years provision while retaining a distinct nursery class.
For families, the choice is between a shorter session and a longer day in the same school setting. The nursery team includes a class teacher and teaching assistant, with a Foundation Leader overseeing the phase.
Language comes before reading here. In January 2024, Ofsted found that adults supported communication and language from children’s first days in nursery, with language remaining a priority across the early years. That gives parents a concrete curriculum focus: developing the communication skills children need before formal reading begins.
The morning session runs from 8.50am until 11.50am; the 30-hour option spans 8.50am to 3.30pm. These offer different lengths of time away from home, a practical distinction for children beginning nursery.
Outdoors, a woodland area with a pond and activity spaces is used mainly by infant and early years children. It adds a natural setting to their school surroundings. Across the wider site, outdoor learning areas include spaces for making dens and a bank with natural obstacles. These outdoor facilities are part of the wider school site.
Before children start, Foundation Stage staff meet parents, and families have the opportunity for a home visit. This gives adults a chance to discuss needs before the first session. WEDUC provides two-way contact between parents and staff, while a weekly parent update helps families keep track of school life.
Raise safeguarding concerns with the school by phone or in person. For urgent concerns when you cannot reach anyone at school, use safeguarding@rufford.nottingham.sch.uk. This gives families another route for urgent contact.
Additional needs are supported through the class teacher and SENCO. Individual inclusion plans or SEN profiles are shared with parents and reviewed at least once each term, so support can be reconsidered as a child’s needs change. Speech and Language Therapy and the Autism Team are among the services the school can involve when required.
Physical care has specific provision too. The Foundation building has changing facilities and a toilet with safety bars. A Sensory room in Key Stage 1 is accessible to pupils throughout the school. For children with profound difficulties who cannot feed themselves, trained staff can help throughout lunchtime. Special dietary needs are catered for under the school’s arrangements. These details matter for families whose child needs practical support as well as help with learning.
Attending Rufford’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Under Nottingham City’s 2024/25 admission arrangements, nursery attendance conferred no priority or other admissions benefit. Families had to make a separate application through the local authority; Nottingham City residents could apply online or use its common application form, with a deadline of 15 January 2024 for that cycle.
Transition support is a separate matter. For children with complex needs, meetings can bring parents, the SENCO and the current and future teachers together. Some children, especially those with autism, may have extra visits to their next classroom and a transition booklet. This helps prepare for change; it does not alter how places are allocated.
Contact the school office on 0115 9155755 or email admin@rufford.nottingham.sch.uk for nursery enquiries. Visits before applying can be arranged by appointment through the office.
At the start of a nursery session, children remain with their parents until staff collect them. Late arrivals sign in at the office. Parents are asked to keep cars out of the school car park and leave the vehicle gate and adjacent yellow zigzag markings clear. Build that pedestrian handover into the morning routine.
Nursery/F1 caters for children aged 3–4, with 26 morning and 26 afternoon places.
Morning nursery runs from 8.50am to 11.50am. The 30-hour option runs from 8.50am to 3.30pm.
No. Nottingham City’s 2024/25 arrangements gave no admissions benefit for attendance at an attached nursery. Reception requires a separate application and is not guaranteed.
Foundation Stage staff meet parents before children begin, and there is an opportunity for a home visit.
Contact the school office on 0115 9155755 or email admin@rufford.nottingham.sch.uk. Visits before applying can be arranged by appointment.
