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Nursery at Millside Spencer 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, books and growing independence give this 26-place nursery its character. Children can join in the term following their third birthday, making it an early introduction to life at Millside Spencer Academy in East Leake. The nursery belongs to the school’s early years provision, with activities shaped by each child’s interests and development.
Within the Skylarks development, the school occupies a purpose-built building that opened in September 2023. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 24 and 25 June 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Child-directed play sits alongside activities guided by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), together with Development Matters, provides the framework: children develop language, movement and social confidence while also exploring numbers, books, creativity and the world around them. These are connected parts of learning, rather than a timetable made up solely of formal lessons.
Forest School, phonics and physical development sessions are part of the nursery’s learning experiences. Learning takes place outdoors as well as inside, so clothing needs to allow children to move comfortably. The nursery encourages a regular attendance pattern across the week so children can take part in the different experiences and establish familiar routines.
Books have a central role in early years learning. In June 2025, early years resources and the early establishment of relationships with families were strengths. There was also a clear curriculum concern: learning through play did not consistently develop from Nursery towards Reception. Curriculum sequencing and checking the impact of teaching needed greater precision, including in early years. For parents, the useful question is how an enjoyable activity helps a child take the next step in their learning.
Before children start, a welcome meeting gives families and staff time to discuss the child and prepare for joining. A key person also explains personal care arrangements during registration and a home visit. This gives parents a named role to work with over practical routines.
Children who wear nappies receive support, as do those who have toileting accidents. The EYFS toilet area can accommodate help such as a step to reach the toilet. Staff encourage children to practise washing their hands, dressing and managing toileting as independently as their development allows. When regular assistance is needed, staff and parents agree an individual care plan. Updates about toileting and nappy changes are shared verbally and through daily written records.
For additional needs, the school uses an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, with families involved in agreeing support and reviewing its effect. Children attending over lunchtime can bring food from home or have a school dinner. That choice lets families plan lunch around their child’s attendance.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority by the normal deadline. Nottinghamshire residents apply through Nottinghamshire County Council. For entry in 2027-2028, nursery attendance confers no priority within the oversubscription criteria.
Support for children with SEND moving between classes includes advance discussions between teaching teams and the transfer of information about individual provision. A booklet can also be provided if it would help the child understand the change. These arrangements support familiarity; they do not determine admission.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run from 12:25pm to 3:25pm. Eligible families can use 15 or 30 funded hours. The 15-hour pattern covers five mornings or five afternoons. Families can also discuss full-time attendance or a fixed combination of sessions with staff.
For children entitled to 30 funded hours, funding covers consecutive hours from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Supervision before and after those times carries an additional charge. Unfunded extra sessions must be booked a term ahead, and a hot dinner is optional. Refer to the school for current charges.
Visits can be arranged through the school office: email info@millsidespencer.org.uk or call 01509 974255. A tour offers a practical opportunity to discuss the attendance pattern that fits your family.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday. The nursery has 26 places.
Morning sessions are 8:45am to 11:45am, and afternoon sessions are 12:25pm to 3:25pm.
The nursery accepts 15 and 30 funded hours for eligible children. For the 30-hour arrangement, supervision outside 9:00am to 3:00pm is charged separately.
Children in nappies and children who have accidents receive personal care support. Parents and staff agree a care plan where regular assistance is needed.
No. Reception requires a separate application through your home local authority, and nursery attendance does not confer priority for entry in 2027-2028.
