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Nursery at Mansfield Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Listening closely to sounds and finding animals from storybooks in real life give this nursery its character. Mansfield Primary Academy’s nursery takes children from the term following their third birthday, within the academy on Newgate Lane in Mansfield. Nursery and the wider early years team work together on the beginnings of learning.
At the Ofsted inspection on 9 and 10 July 2024, early years provision was graded Good. This was an early years judgement within the school’s inspection.
Language is a clear emphasis. In July 2024, early years learning gave communication and language substantial attention, while nursery staff helped children distinguish sounds by ear and pronounce them clearly. These are concrete beginnings for learning to read: listening comes before the reading journey gathers pace.
Books also lead to experiences beyond the classroom. Early years children had visited a wildlife park to encounter exotic animals they had met in their reading. That connects a story’s words and pictures with living animals, giving children something tangible to talk about.
At the July 2024 inspection, pupils used the academy’s forest school, cared for chickens and toasted marshmallows together. Animal care brings responsibility into an everyday activity; shared outdoor experiences give children another context for spending time together.
Settling begins before the first nursery term. Families are contacted during the preceding term about transition visits and starting arrangements. Ready for Nursery induction events run in summer for September Foundation Stage entrants, involving children, their parents or carers and any agencies already supporting them. The School Ready programme also helps families prepare, including developmental expectations and routes to further support.
For concerns about special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the class teacher is the starting contact. The SENDCo gathers information from families and staff, undertakes assessments and can involve an external agency. This gives parents a clear first step rather than leaving them to decide which specialist to approach.
The academy uses visual timetables, Now and Next boards and Makaton where appropriate. Its accessible site includes a toilet for disabled users and a shower-equipped changing area. Children with Individual Provision Maps have termly target reviews to which parents are invited, keeping families involved in decisions about support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority; Nottinghamshire residents use Nottinghamshire County Council’s admissions process. For entry in September 2027, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.
Preparation for a new classroom is a different matter. Summer transition activities involve children across the academy, and children with SEND may receive additional classroom visits or time. Social stories and transition booklets may help them prepare. These arrangements support familiarity with change; they do not secure admission.
Visits can be arranged through the academy office. For nursery enquiries, telephone 01623 624709 or email admin@mansfieldprimaryacademy.org. Families can also add a child to the nursery waiting list before they reach the joining age.
Before-school care. Breakfast Club admits children only from Reception through Year 6, so nursery families cannot use that club for an earlier start.
Children can join in the term after their third birthday. They can be added to the nursery waiting list before then.
No. A separate Reception application is required through your home local authority. Nottinghamshire residents apply through Nottinghamshire County Council; the deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027.
Families are contacted the term before starting about transition visits. Summer Ready for Nursery events involve September entrants, their families and any supporting agencies.
Start with the class teacher. The SENDCo can gather further information, assess needs and involve external specialists where necessary.
No. Breakfast Club is for children from Reception to Year 6.
