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Nursery at King Edwin Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Caterpillars, daily phonics and Monday Forest School give King Edwin’s nursery a clear identity: stories lead into exploring, talking and learning outdoors. Known as Foundation One (F1), or Little Cubs, it caters for children aged 3 and 4 within King Edwin Primary and Nursery School in Edwinstowe.
There are places for 22 children in the morning, 22 in the afternoon and 13 on the 30-hour pattern. These are distinct attendance options, so the choice affects both the length of your child’s day and the family’s weekly routine.
Books and children’s interests shape learning towards the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) objectives. In practical terms, a story becomes a starting point for investigating a subject rather than an isolated reading activity. The six F1 units include Who am I?, Should Goldilocks say sorry? and Can caterpillars fly?, connecting questions about identity and behaviour with discovering the natural world.
The caterpillar unit explores minibeasts, their habitats and life cycles, using Yucky Worms! alongside The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Daily Rocket Phonics follows First Steps, with new sounds introduced each week, letter formation and work in a phonics booklet. Early reading therefore has a regular place alongside topic exploration.
Monday brings Forest School for F1. The school has its own outdoor learning area and an outdoor classroom equipped for use across different weather conditions. Forest School activities include shelter building, using tools and campfire cooking, giving practical tasks a place alongside book-based learning. A qualified Forest School teacher leads the school’s sessions.
In February 2024, Ofsted found that early-years children shared readily, settled into routines and expressed their ideas confidently; songs supported learning about sounds and numbers. There was a specific weakness too: some children did not understand an activity’s purpose because adults’ explanations were insufficient. Clear instructions matter as much as an interesting task.
Settling starts before the first session. A Foundation teacher visits home in the month before entry to meet the child and discuss family questions or concerns. During the opening week, parents join a play-and-stay session where children meet their key worker and explore the Foundation environment. Children then begin in small groups over several days, making the move into nursery gradual.
Tapestry provides an online learning journal in F1, with families able to contribute moments from home. An email and Tapestry update goes out each half term. Together, these give parents ways to connect learning at nursery with their child’s interests at home.
Support extends to family routines: the school’s Family Support Worker can help with toilet training, feeding and sleep. Families can contact the SENCo through the office or at senco@kingedwin.notts.sch.uk. For food, the school is nut free, including snacks and packed lunches. Its meal-booking system is School Gateway, where families also select the packed-lunch option when bringing food from home.
A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place at King Edwin. Families must make a separate application through Nottinghamshire County Council and meet the normal Reception application deadline. Treat choosing Little Cubs and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
The 15-hour entitlement for 3- and 4-year-olds uses weekday morning sessions, 8:40am to 11:40am, or afternoons, 12:25pm to 3:25pm, subject to places being available. The eligible 30-hour pattern runs from 8:40am to 3:20pm Monday to Thursday, then 8:40am to 12:20pm on Friday. Its limited places are allocated on a first-come basis.
For extended funding, families must submit an eligibility code for verification in the term before starting and renew it before expiry. Families who do not qualify can pay for hours beyond their initial 15; the office can discuss current charges. Nursery enquiries go through the school office at office@kingedwin.notts.sch.uk or 01623 822 111, with a waiting-list form used to request a place.
For Monday Forest School, send children dressed for outdoor learning with a change of shoes in a bag. F1 opens five minutes before each session ends for parent communication, providing a regular opportunity to speak with staff.
Foundation One caters for children aged 3 and 4.
Morning sessions run from 8:40am to 11:40am, and afternoon sessions from 12:25pm to 3:25pm, Monday to Friday.
Eligible 3- and 4-year-olds can access the 30-hour pattern, subject to limited places allocated on a first-come basis. Families must provide an eligibility code in the term before entry and keep it renewed.
A home visit precedes entry, followed by a play-and-stay session with parents and a staggered start in small groups. Children meet their key worker during play and stay.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Nottinghamshire County Council by the normal application deadline.
