Caunton Dean Hole CofE Primary School Nursery Review

An undercover play space, a dedicated early years outdoor area and a classroom shared with Reception give this nursery its character. Caunton Dean Hole CofE Primary School takes nursery children from the term after their third birthday into its Foundation Unit. The early years classroom has capacity for up to 12 nursery children alongside 8 in Reception: a shared setting for the youngest children.

At the June 2025 Ofsted inspection, early years numbers were very small, so no separate early years judgement was awarded. The findings about the curriculum and language support are more useful here than a nursery grade.

Play has time to develop. Children have extended opportunities to explore their interests, with adults helping them connect their discoveries to learning. Reading, writing, talk and number are priorities within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent terms, the approach brings learning into play while also helping children communicate and learn alongside others.

Personal, social and emotional development receives particular attention, together with language and communication. The school aims to help children interact, cooperate and treat each other kindly. Play and Exploration, Active Learning, and Creative and Critical Thinking guide that approach: children can investigate an idea, keep working at it and think about what to try next.

Inside and outside are both part of the learning provision. The early years classroom has its own outdoor area and an undercover space, giving exploration a physical setting beyond the classroom. Friends of Caunton has supported equipment for both the early years classroom and its outdoor area.

In June 2025, the early years curriculum was well designed for children within the mixed-age class and supported development across the learning areas. Early reading and language received attention from the outset. That makes communication a central part of the nursery experience.

Individual language support is a concrete strength. In June 2025, early years children received support tailored to their communication needs. For a child developing confidence in speaking, that places attention on an essential tool for joining in with learning and play.

Parents receive Learning Journeys each half term, linked to updated learning plans. These help families understand what their child is learning and support it at home. For discussions about special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), parents can arrange an appointment with the school's special educational needs coordinator by calling 01636 636219.

Milk is provided through Cool Milk. Registered children receive a chilled carton of semi-skimmed milk in their classroom each day, and registered under-fives receive free milk until the Friday before their fifth birthday. The school also has pupil meals and a dietary allergy request form. Families should use that route to communicate food allergy requirements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal school admission process, using Nottinghamshire County Council's School Admissions Hub and meeting the closing date in its coordinated scheme. The local authority manages admissions and makes the offers.

Sharing the early years classroom with Reception gives nursery children a common learning setting. It does not replace the separate application.

The nursery offers 15 universal funded hours and 30 funded hours for eligible families. Families can choose some full days rather than being restricted to fixed morning or afternoon sessions. Extra nursery sessions carry a charge and depend on appropriate staffing ratios; contact the school for current charges.

Across the school, the day runs from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, with those times applying to all children. Nursery enquiries go to the office on 01636 636219 or office@cauntondeanhole.notts.sch.uk.

For school uniform, My Clothing and School Trends are the ordering options. The school asks families to label clothing so misplaced items can be returned.