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Nursery at Samuel Barlow 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, conversation and growing independence give this nursery its character. Samuel Barlow Primary Academy’s nursery sits on the school site in Clipstone, Mansfield, with dedicated early years classrooms. It takes children from the term following their third birthday and provides for three and four year olds, making this a first school experience before the separate application for Reception.
Ofsted’s findings published in May 2026 judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Half-term topics organise the learning, while play gives children a way to explore them. The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework for young children’s learning, development and care. In parent terms, this means developing movement, relationships and communication alongside early maths, literacy, creativity and knowledge of the world. The nursery aims to build enthusiasm for learning through children trying things, talking and sharing.
Indoor and outdoor learning areas support that work. The May 2026 early years findings described spaces planned to support learning across the curriculum, with children enjoying play and understanding the routines. Independence develops through small, concrete responsibilities: putting things away and taking care of personal belongings. These are useful skills for managing a school day.
Stories and songs feature frequently. Adults join children’s play with conversations that extend vocabulary and develop speaking and listening. Language learning therefore happens during play as well as through books and singing, giving children practical reasons to communicate.
Knowing the child comes first. The May 2026 findings showed that staff understood the substantial learning and wellbeing challenges many children faced when starting nursery, including difficulties communicating and managing their own care. Individual support began promptly, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Children with SEND made secure progress relative to where they began, a useful finding for families considering additional support.
Settling was positive too: children became comfortable quickly, with affectionate adult relationships helping them feel secure. Staff worked with families on children’s learning, wellbeing and attendance, connecting support at nursery with life at home. The nursery team includes a teacher, and the wider early years team includes teaching assistants. This combines teaching and support roles around the youngest children.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process, administered by Nottinghamshire County Council, by the deadline for their entry year. Treat that application as a separate task even when your child already attends nursery.
For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was Thursday 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed. The practical distinction matters: choosing the nursery provides an early years experience, while allocation of a school place follows the separate admissions process.
Part-time and full-time nursery places are offered. Funding provides 15 hours a week for families of three and four year olds; working parents may qualify for up to 30 hours a week. Eligibility matters, so check it through Childcare Choices before planning around the longer entitlement.
Birthdays determine when funded provision can begin. Children turning three from 1 September to 31 December become eligible from the spring term in January; January to March birthdays qualify from the summer term in April, and April to August birthdays from the autumn term in September. Match the intended start to your child’s birthday when discussing a place with the nursery team.
For nursery enquiries, email office@samuelbarlowprimary-ac.org.uk or call 01623 479033. The nursery also has an online application route. These provide a direct way to begin the nursery application separately from school admission.
The academy has wheelchair access throughout. Its small car park is reserved for staff and visitors, with nearby street parking for parents. Factor that arrangement into journeys to Church Road, especially when planning collection alongside other family commitments.
Children can join in the term after their third birthday. The nursery provides for three and four year olds.
The nursery follows the EYFS through half-term topics and play, developing communication, relationships, movement, early literacy and maths, creativity and understanding of the world.
Yes. Families of three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours a week, and working parents may be eligible for up to 30 hours a week. Check eligibility through Childcare Choices.
No. A separate school application is required through Nottinghamshire County Council’s admissions process, by the deadline for the relevant entry year.
Email office@samuelbarlowprimary-ac.org.uk or call 01623 479033. An online nursery application route is also offered.
