Redgate Primary Academy Nursery Review

Exploration with adult support shapes Redgate’s early years provision: children learn through play, with staff demonstrating skills and gradually stepping back as independence develops. Nursery provision sits within Redgate Primary Academy on Somersall Street in Mansfield. The early years approach combines a structured routine with learning that responds to children’s interests and individual needs.

This is provision within an academy where every child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). For families, that makes the fit between a child’s needs and their learning experience central to the choice.

A planned daily routine gives children a framework for exploring indoors and outside. Multisensory experiences and investigative play are part of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) approach. Learning covers communication, movement, emotional and social development, early reading and writing, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. These areas connect practical exploration with the skills children need for everyday life.

Adults demonstrate what to do and support children as they practise. Assistance is then reduced as children gain competence, giving them opportunities to do more for themselves. Staff also observe what catches each child’s interest and use those observations to shape subsequent teaching. The routine provides structure; children’s responses help determine the learning within it.

Across the academy, children follow pathways suited to their development. The Green pathway involves substantial adult assistance, while Blue introduces more defined reading, writing and number work as independence grows. These are developmental approaches rather than a single expectation based on age.

Cooking adds a practical dimension across the academy, with pupils of all ages using a kitchen classroom. Following instructions, taking turns and practising hygiene connect the activity to communication and everyday independence.

Teaching and support staff lead the early years provision together. Their approach includes demonstrating boundaries, recognising participation and balancing assistance with opportunities for children to organise themselves. Redgate aims to help children respect other people and their belongings, making social learning part of the day alongside educational play.

Settling into a new placement has a staged structure. After a place is offered, the class teacher visits the child’s existing education setting, or their home where applicable, to gather background information. The transition sequence begins with a familiar adult accompanying the child, then moves towards time in class independently. This gives children successive opportunities to become familiar with their teacher and surroundings.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Redgate’s placement route runs through Nottinghamshire County Council’s Integrated Children’s Disability Service (ICDS), and the application process applies regardless of a child’s age. Families should pursue Reception placement through that route rather than treat nursery attendance as securing the next place.

Placement decisions consider whether Redgate can meet the child’s needs and whether an appropriate class has space. ICDS confirms the offer. The staged visits described above support entry after an offer; they are separate from the decision to allocate a place.

Prospective families can book a visit through the academy office on 01623 455944 or office@redgateprimary-ac.org.uk. To book, a child must have an EHCP or be applying for one.

Academy uniform is encouraged but optional. Unbranded items can be bought from any shop, giving families flexibility over clothing. For journeys by car, the small academy car park is reserved for staff; parents and visitors can use roadside parking on Somersall Street.