Misson Primary School Nursery Review

Up to 16 children per session and a pre-school sharing a roof with its primary school: Misson combines a small session size with an established school connection. Children attend between two and four years old. The pre-school aims to develop confidence, independence and self-esteem, giving these early years a purpose beyond preparation for school.

Ofsted rated the school's early years provision Good following its inspection on 28 and 29 November 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Choice and conversation shape the learning. In November 2023, children selected activities for themselves, while adults helped them connect different parts of their learning. One example linked mixing yellow shades in art with learning the sound y in phonics. Colour-making gave a sound another context, rather than leaving it as an isolated exercise.

Outside, pre-school children explored the outdoor learning area, with staff asking questions and encouraging them to explain their discoveries. The physical space matters, but so does the conversation it prompts: exploration becomes an opportunity to practise language and share ideas.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. Across early years, regular checks on learning helped staff decide what support children needed in November 2023. The school curriculum begins in early years, although the sequence of knowledge in a few subjects still needed further work at that inspection. For parents, the useful distinction is between children's immediate learning experiences and the longer sequence those experiences build towards.

A key worker is allocated after a child is accepted. Settling starts with two taster sessions: a parent or guardian stays for the first, then the child can try the second independently if appropriate. Further settling days can be arranged jointly with staff. This gives families a staged introduction rather than a single abrupt separation.

In November 2023, early years children received good care, and positive relationships with staff extended to pre-school. Learning support also began in early years through regular checks on progress.

Inclusion has an important condition. The pre-school aims to accommodate different needs, but may refuse or withdraw a place if it considers itself unable to meet a child's needs. Families should weigh that condition when considering the setting. For children staying at lunchtime, a hot meal from the school kitchen can be purchased separately.

Attending Misson Pre-School does not guarantee admission to Misson Primary School. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step from arranging nursery sessions.

Pre-school and primary staff work within the same building and share curriculum goals and ethos. That connection provides continuity in the setting's aims; it does not turn nursery attendance into an assured Reception place.

Monday to Friday, morning sessions run from 8.45am to noon and afternoons from 1pm to 3.15pm. Breakfast Club runs from 8.30am to 8.45am, with a separate lunchtime period from noon to 1pm. Flexible attendance patterns across the week allow the arrangement to reflect the child and family's needs.

Eligible families can use government funding for sessions within the entitlement rules, including up to 30 hours where eligible. Families using the 30-hour working-parent offer must reconfirm eligibility every three months. Paid hours are also possible; trips incur additional charges, and holidays taken during booked attendance remain chargeable. Refer to the school for current charges.

To enquire, contact office@misson.notts.sch.uk or telephone 01302 710580. Applications are completed on paper and returned to the school office, with an admissions form and mutual contract required before acceptance. Leaving the pre-school requires at least four weeks' notice.