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Nursery at Highfields School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Tool-bench play and weekly Forest School or Bushcraft give Highfields nursery a practical character: children develop hand control through play and take learning beyond the classroom. This is the nursery within an independent school on London Road in Newark, welcoming children from their second birthday. Families can choose it whether or not they intend to stay for main school.
The nursery caters for ages two to four. At the November 2023 ISI inspection, it had 27 children, a roll figure rather than a measure of capacity. Explorers Room is the nursery room and Adventurers Room the pre-school room, giving the younger provision its own named spaces within the school.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives the day its learning framework. In parent language, that means developing conversation, relationships and movement alongside early reading, number work and creative play. Children encounter shapes and numbers indoors and outside, practise making marks, and use music, dance and role play to express ideas. Learning starts with things young children can do and explore.
Tool Bench Play provides a concrete example: manipulating tools develops the small hand movements needed for later writing. Nursery children also receive specialist teaching in Music, PE and Games. Forest School or Bushcraft takes place each week for every child, making outdoor learning a regular part of the timetable rather than an occasional extra.
In November 2023, early-years activities followed children's interests, with adults changing their teaching to suit individual needs. Children explored materials, tested ideas and developed independent thinking; ongoing assessment led to extra help or harder tasks as needed. Everyday responsibilities mattered too. Tidying the classroom and taking a turn as line leader gave children manageable jobs of their own.
Settling sessions are arranged with the nursery team before the start date. Attendance must cover at least two sessions each week, which can mean two mornings or a whole day; the nursery links this minimum to helping children settle. The team includes a Head of Nursery with a Level 4 Diploma in Nursery Nursing and practitioners with childcare qualifications, including Level 3 diplomas.
Relationships provide the foundation for care. In November 2023, early-years staff helped children feel secure, supported friendships and worked with parents around children's needs. Staff understood the safeguarding procedures applying to the early-years setting. Children were encouraged to explain discoveries and keep trying when an activity proved difficult, so reassurance and independence worked together.
Food punctuates the sessions. Fruit snacks come during both the morning and afternoon, and children have home-cooked meals prepared by the catering team. The nursery timetable gives lunch its own break between the learning sessions.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families seeking Reception at Highfields need to make a separate main-school application directly to the school. Admission involves a visit and usually a Desk Day, with an offer dependent on space, the school's assessment of whether it can meet the child's needs, and acceptable behaviour that will not disrupt the child's own education or cause long-term disruption to other children's education.
Staying is one option, rather than an expectation: about half of nursery children continue into Highfields main school, while the others move to a local school. The Ready Write Inc phonics programme runs through Nursery and Reception, providing curriculum continuity for children who remain. That continuity is separate from the admission decision.
Term-time care runs Monday to Friday, with a full day from 7:30am to 6:00pm. Morning and afternoon sessions provide shorter options. Places can be reserved using a Session Request form, subject to availability and the minimum attendance pattern.
Eligible families can use either 15 or 30 funded hours, and Tax Free childcare is accepted. The nursery also has charged session and extended-care options; contact the school for current charges. For enquiries or a nursery visit, email admissions@highfieldsschool.co.uk or telephone 01636 704103. A visit can be booked directly with the admissions team.
Children can join from their second birthday, subject to spaces being available. The nursery caters for ages two to four.
Yes. The nursery welcomes families who do not intend to join Highfields main school. About half of nursery children move to a local school.
Children must attend at least two sessions a week, such as two mornings or a whole day, to help them settle.
Highfields accepts either 15 or 30 funded hours for eligible children, alongside Tax Free childcare.
No. A separate main-school application is required. An offer depends on availability, the school's ability to meet the child's educational needs, and acceptable behaviour that will not disrupt the child's own education or cause long-term disruption to other children's education.
