Normanton-on-Soar Primary School Nursery Review

Daily garden play and a choice between indoor and outdoor activities give this nursery its character. It sits within Normanton-on-Soar Primary School, which caters for children aged 3 to 11. Since September 2026, Foundation Stage children have been incorporated into the Key Stage 1 unit, with their own space for play and learning. Nursery life therefore combines a distinct learning space with participation in the wider school.

A topic activity led by an adult starts the learning, followed by a snack and a shared story. Children then choose between playing indoors and outdoors. Short activities with an adult during the week focus on individual skills and help staff check progress. There is room for children's interests as well as planned teaching.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Development Matters guide planning. In everyday language, this means activities develop communication, social skills, movement and early understanding of numbers, reading and writing. Children build models, explore materials, paint and make marks. Learning includes both investigation and direct teaching, rather than relying on finished pictures to show what a child has done.

Read Write Inc gives phonics a named structure. Nursery children begin by practising attention and listening, then learn picture prompts and initial sounds. Snack time becomes a chance to stretch the opening sound of a banana or apple. That makes sound recognition part of ordinary conversation.

Outside time happens daily, including wet weather. The fenced Foundation Unit garden has a locking gate, and activities include riding, balancing and climbing, alongside smaller toys and tools. Children also help care for the garden and investigate the natural world. Dance or sport may take place outdoors or in the school hall, adding movement beyond the garden play.

Staffing includes a qualified teacher and a teaching assistant with a level 3 qualification. Nursery staffing provides at least one adult for every 13 children. Settling can be adjusted to the child: staff can make an individual plan for someone who feels uncertain about separating from their parent. Longer, private conversations can also be arranged when a quick session-time exchange is insufficient.

Seesaw journals let parents see examples of learning and communicate with staff, with parental permission needed to use the app. Topic updates also help families extend the current learning at home. For additional needs, support can involve extra adults, health or education agencies and discussions before a child starts. Parents participate in planning that help.

Fresh fruit and milk are free for children under 5, and water remains accessible. Allergies are accommodated, with families asked to complete the relevant form. Lunch can be a hot meal, a packed lunch or a meal at home. Staff make regular toilet trips to prompt children who need reminders; children are expected to be toilet trained before starting, with advice available from staff or a Health Visitor.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives admission priority. Families must make a separate application. For September 2027 entry, applications open on 3 November 2026 and close on 15 January 2027 through Nottinghamshire County Council's admissions portal. Families living outside Nottinghamshire apply through their home local authority.

For children with SEND, moving between classes can include additional visits and a transition book showing photographs of the new classroom and staff. Information and targets pass to the next teacher, and parents can have a meeting. These arrangements support familiarity; they do not change admission priority.

Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, with afternoon sessions from 12.30pm to 3.30pm; both are offered every day. A full session runs from 9am to 3.30pm. Lunch club bridges the sessions and is charged separately, as is a hot meal if chosen. Contact the school for current charges. There are 30 nursery hours available.

Nursery enquiries and applications go directly to the school office: telephone 01509 842326 or email office@nosps.co.uk. School tours can be booked at a time agreed with the family. Morning-only children are collected at the front door by the office; afternoon-only children use the front door at the start and the Foundation Unit gate for collection.

Uniform is optional for nursery children. Suitable everyday clothes are also accepted, with easy movement and independent toileting the priorities. Bring a named water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing and labelled wellies, which can stay at school.