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Nursery at Holy Cross Primary Catholic Voluntary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 purpose-built nursery classroom gives Holy Cross’s youngest children a space designed for their stage of learning. The nursery opened in September 2022 within the Catholic primary academy on Leen Mills Lane in Hucknall. At the May 2023 inspection, it catered for up to 26 children aged three and four. That is nursery capacity, rather than the size of the whole school.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 23 and 24 May 2023. This judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Language development was a clear strength in May 2023. Adults helped children develop their speech skilfully, while activities supported development throughout the early years curriculum. For parents, the useful emphasis is on how adults help young children communicate as they learn, alongside the activities themselves.
The purpose-built classroom was well supplied with learning resources, and the curriculum had been extended to cater for nursery-age children. In May 2023, children sustained their attention and took pleasure in learning. Early reading also began within early years, with staff using a systematic phonics programme: a structured approach to learning sounds for reading.
Early reading. In May 2023, the school needed to improve how reading books matched pupils’ sound knowledge. This was a school-wide concern, rather than a finding assigned specifically to nursery children, but it matters to the learning journey ahead.
Settling into classroom routines was a strength in May 2023: early years children became familiar with them quickly. That offers reassurance about the move into a class-based day, while keeping the finding tied to its inspection period.
SEND support. In May 2023, school leaders recognised additional needs promptly, but individual pupil passports needed clearer, measurable targets. Information for families also needed to explain the support, its timing and who would deliver it more precisely. Families considering the nursery for a child with additional needs should weigh that school-wide concern alongside the positive early years findings.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Nottinghamshire County Council’s normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year. Applications based on faith criteria also require a Supplementary Information Form, returned to the school office with the child’s birth certificate and baptism certificate.
In May 2023, early years children were ready for their next educational stage. Readiness for the next class and entitlement to a place are separate questions.
Three booking patterns are offered: all mornings, all afternoons or full time. Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45; afternoons from 12:20 to 15:20; full-time attendance runs from 08:45 to 15:20. Families therefore choose a consistent pattern rather than mixing individual sessions.
Wraparound care is available to nursery children from 07:15 to 17:45. Holiday care. The school holiday club currently takes children aged five and above, so nursery families need a separate holiday arrangement for younger children.
For a nursery application pack, contact the office at office@holycross.notts.sch.uk or 0115 953 4577; packs can be sent by email or post. Families applying for a 30-hour placement need to use their GOV.UK childcare account. Ask the school for current charges. Prospective parents can also arrange a school tour through the office.
At the May 2023 inspection, the nursery catered for three- and four-year-olds, with capacity for up to 26 children.
The booking choices are all mornings, all afternoons or full time.
Yes. It is available from 07:15 to 17:45. The school holiday club currently takes children aged five and above.
No. A separate Reception application is required through Nottinghamshire County Council’s normal admissions process.
Contact the school office to request an application pack by email or post. For a 30-hour placement, use your GOV.UK childcare account.
