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Nursery at The Bramble 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Early language gives Bramble’s nursery its clearest character. In July 2024, children across the early years were thriving, with effective support for developing their language skills. That puts communication at the centre of the picture for parents considering a first school experience.
Children can start nursery, also called Foundation 1, in the term following their third birthday. It belongs to The Bramble Academy in Mansfield Woodhouse. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 2 and 3 July 2024; that judgement covers early years within the school.
The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, includes the beginnings of reading and writing here. Bramble uses Reading into Writing: early learning includes making marks, exploring phonics and developing handwriting. These are the building blocks children use before writing becomes more formal. The school’s English approach also values listening and speaking, giving communication a place alongside written work.
Jigsaw PSHE provides another strand of the curriculum material for Foundation 1 onwards. It brings together social skills, emotional understanding and personal development. For the youngest children, its content includes recognising feelings, being gentle and belonging to a classroom. Friendship and family life sit alongside these themes, connecting learning to experiences children already know.
Health is approached through familiar subjects: movement, food, cleanliness and sleep. These are learning topics rather than a description of nursery meals or rest arrangements. The Foundation content on growing up asks children to consider how they have changed from babyhood, using language and pictures suited to children. Together, these topics give parents concrete examples of the personal and social learning accompanying early literacy.
Before a child starts, families are contacted during the preceding term about introductory visits and the nursery start. This gives the move into nursery a preparatory stage, rather than making the first session the first contact.
For additional needs, the school has a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and a Parent Inclusion Form through which families can raise concerns. Support covers speech and language difficulties, autism, learning difficulties, emotional needs and physical or sensory needs. Parents can contact the SEND team at sendco@brambleacademy.org. The school also works with the local authority to support children identified as having special educational needs.
A separate application. Attending Bramble’s nursery does not guarantee admission to its Reception year. Families must apply again through Nottinghamshire County Council’s online admissions process. For entry in September 2027, the deadline is 15 January 2027; applications received afterwards are treated as late. Nursery attendance and the Reception application therefore need to be treated as two separate decisions.
The main office handles nursery waiting-list applications, and families can add a child’s name before they reach the starting age. Contact 01623 635928 or office@brambleacademy.org. Visits to the academy can be arranged through the office, giving prospective families a direct way to meet the setting before applying.
The academy’s address is Oxclose Lane, Mansfield Woodhouse, Mansfield, NG19 8DF.
Children can join in the term after their third birthday. Families can put their child’s name on the waiting list before then.
The school’s early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 2 and 3 July 2024. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection.
No. A separate application must be made through Nottinghamshire County Council. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027.
Families are contacted in the term before their child starts with information about introductory visits and starting nursery.
Contact the main office on 01623 635928 or email office@brambleacademy.org. The office can arrange academy visits and handle nursery waiting-list applications.
