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Nursery at John T Rice Infant 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Treasure Baskets, counting songs and movement to music give Panda class its character. This is the nursery at John T Rice Infant and Nursery School in Forest Town, Mansfield, with 52 places in its Foundation 1 Unit. Children can start the term after turning three, subject to space, with entry points in September, January and April. Morning and afternoon groups share the provision with children attending all day.
A teacher and teaching assistant form the nursery classroom team. Play takes place indoors and outdoors, giving children opportunities to practise sharing, talking and tackling unfamiliar activities alongside their early learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) puts communication, physical development and social and emotional learning first in nursery. Literacy, maths, creative work and discovering the world sit alongside these foundations. Themes, celebrations and stories organise the learning, while children's interests help shape activities. For parents, that means play has a purpose: conversation, movement and friendships are part of the curriculum.
Panda class is exploring the Curiosity Approach, introducing natural materials and everyday objects for children to investigate. Loose Parts and Treasure Baskets can become pictures, constructions or miniature worlds. The home corner supports pretend play; the creative area provides painting and collage materials, while the malleable area has playdough and tools. Children can choose different ways to make and explore.
Stories recur throughout the year through ten Key Texts, including Dear Zoo and Brown Bear, Brown Bear. Rhymes with actions support listening and speech. Squiggle While you Wiggle uses movement to music to practise movements associated with writing, and mark-making materials remain accessible during sessions. Maths also enters ordinary routines: children count the group, investigate the calendar number and join counting songs. A dedicated maths area lets them explore resources themselves.
Outdoor play extends the learning beyond the classroom. Nursery children have also played in Forest School and explored an autumn collection containing pumpkins, conkers and leaves. These are concrete opportunities to handle materials and notice the natural world.
Induction sessions take place in the Foundation Stage Unit once a nursery place has been offered. Families receive a learning summary each half-term and can add achievements from home to an online learning journey, connecting classroom interests with family life.
December 2023 inspection findings described children settling promptly, trusting relationships with adults and consistent early-years routines. Adults checked understanding and helped children address gaps in learning; needs were recognised and supported from the start of nursery. The school-wide improvement action concerned checking understanding across subjects, including mathematics, and helping pupils retain important learning. This wider concern sits alongside the positive early-years findings.
Jigsaw and the Zones of Regulation introduce feelings and relationships, with Mood Monsters giving children another way to express emotions. The SENCO is a contact for additional-needs enquiries. Staff across the school have received attachment and trauma training from Nottinghamshire's Educational Psychologist team, informing the school's approach to children's behaviour.
Meals are prepared in the school kitchens, with menus rotating over three weeks. Packed lunches must exclude nuts and nut products; the school aims to reduce exposure but cannot guarantee a nut-free setting. Children under five receive free milk.
A separate application matters. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the school's oversubscription criteria. Nottinghamshire residents must apply again through Nottinghamshire County Council and meet the normal application deadline. Families should treat this as a separate decision and application, even when their child already attends Panda class.
Preparation for the next stage includes practising independence, communication and managing feelings. Families are encouraged to share children's needs and successful support strategies with their new Reception teacher, helping adults understand the child before the move.
Half-day attendance provides 15 hours each week: mornings run from 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. Parents may request either group, but their preference is confirmed only when a place is firmly offered.
Eligible working families may access a limited number of 30-hour places. All-day options run from 8:30am to 2:30pm or 3:30pm; staying until 3:30pm carries a charge for the extra hour. Contact the school for current charges. Breakfast and after-school childcare clubs exclude nursery children, so these cannot extend the nursery day.
Visits can be arranged through the office on 01623 465588 or office@johntrice.notts.sch.uk. Nursery reading sessions offer another family connection: after October half-term, Wednesday Open Door starts at 11:00am for morning children and 2:50pm for afternoon and 30-hour children.
Children may start the term after their third birthday, in September, January or April, if places are available.
Children learn through indoor and outdoor play, stories, action rhymes, counting and creative activities. The nursery is exploring the Curiosity Approach using natural materials and everyday objects.
No. It gives no Reception admissions priority, and a separate application is required. Nottinghamshire residents apply through Nottinghamshire County Council on time.
A limited number of 30-hour places are offered to eligible working families. All-day options end at 2:30pm or 3:30pm, with an additional-hour charge for the later finish. Nursery children cannot attend the school's breakfast or after-school childcare clubs.
Yes. After October half-term, nursery Open Door takes place on Wednesdays at 11:00am for morning children and 2:50pm for afternoon and 30-hour children.
