Wainwright Primary Academy Nursery Review

Discovery through play gives The Discovery Den its character. This is Wainwright Primary Academy’s on-site nursery in Mansfield, serving children aged three and four, with entry from the term following a child’s third birthday. Both part-time and full-time places are offered, giving families two broad attendance options.

At the inspection on 18 and 19 July 2023, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers early years within the school. Children’s initial skills were understood closely and teaching built on them, an important foundation for children beginning nursery with different experiences.

Play carries the learning. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), combining language, movement, relationships and early learning rather than treating preparation for school as just letters and numbers. Stories, singing and acting out roles give children practice in listening and speaking. Drawing and using scissors develop control of smaller movements; balancing and climbing work on larger movements.

Phonics games introduce sounds, while practical maths activities give children something to work with as they explore early number learning. Art, music and imaginative play provide opportunities to express ideas and solve problems. Learning about nature, cultures and the surrounding community broadens what children explore beyond their immediate experience.

Voice 21 is the named oracy programme, supporting children’s spoken communication from an early age. Groups for children learning English as an additional language provide further language support. In July 2023, teaching adapted to children’s learning needs was a particular strength in early years. Together, these features put communication and individual starting points firmly into the nursery’s learning approach.

Support extends beyond the nursery teaching team. The academy’s inclusion team includes a SENDCO, an assistant SENDCO and a family support advisor. Its SEND provision addresses learning and cognition, communication, social and emotional development, and physical or sensory needs. Work with external agencies brings specialist advice into the support offered to children.

Families are encouraged to raise worries with staff. Where additional agency support is needed, academy staff work with families, although safeguarding referrals can require action before parents are consulted. For parents, that makes communication a route into support while keeping the child’s welfare central.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, administered by Nottinghamshire County Council. Choose the nursery for the experience it offers now, and treat the later school application as a separate decision.

For September 2026 entry, the application window closed on Thursday 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. It belongs to that entry cycle and should not be used as the deadline for a later application.

Morning and afternoon nursery sessions are offered, alongside the part-time and full-time options. Funding provides 15 hours each week for children aged three and four; eligible working parents may receive up to 30 hours weekly. Eligibility can be checked through Childcare Choices.

Nursery applications can be made online. For enquiries, email info@wainwrightprimary-ac.org.uk or call 01623 662110. The academy is on Harrop White Road, Mansfield, NG19 6TF. Wheelchair access extends through the building, and a lift serves the upper floor. The car park is reserved for staff; parents and visitors can park on the street outside.