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Nursery at Holy Trinity Catholic Voluntary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A book sets the week's direction, while Muddy Friday takes the Little Acorns to Eco-Land. These are the distinctive threads of nursery life at Holy Trinity Catholic Voluntary Academy on Boundary Road in Newark: stories, children's interests and time outdoors, within a Catholic primary school's early years provision.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 12 and 13 March 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines practical learning with attention to language, physical development and growing independence. Here, children join teaching as a class, in smaller groups and individually, alongside activities they choose themselves. That gives the session both adult direction and room for children's own ideas.
Book of the Week provides a shared starting point. In the Little Acorns, a new book arrives on Monday and shapes the learning that follows. Children help determine topics, too. One example, Down in the deep dark woods, brought together dragons, caterpillars, jungles and woods: a concrete illustration of how a theme can connect stories with exploring the world.
Indoor and outdoor activities both form part of the EYFS approach. Children can reach resources themselves, with labels intended to support vocabulary and independent choices. Eco-Land gives outdoor learning a named place in the routine. Muddy Friday calls for wellies and old clothes, while Monday includes PE. A library book comes home on Wednesday for families to share, extending the reading routine beyond the session.
Catholic learning also has a place. Come and See topics include friends, our world and good news, bringing the school's religious character into the children's themes.
Class Dojo connects families with the Little Acorns team. Parents can message staff there, use email or arrange a meeting through the office, giving them several ways to discuss their child rather than relying on a brief conversation around session times. Teaching assistants are part of the class team.
The March 2024 inspection found that support in early years drew on staff's understanding of each child's learning. Extra help reached children who needed it, alongside attentive care and enjoyable activities. This connects assessment with practical support during learning.
For children with additional needs or disabilities, families can contact the school to discuss support. The school has a SENCo and inclusion lead, providing a role through which those conversations can be coordinated.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority process and meet the deadline for their child's admission year.
Nottinghamshire County Council is the application route. For applications on faith grounds, families must also complete a Supplementary Form and return it to the school office. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions, with separate actions to complete.
Foundation 1 has two sessions: the morning runs from 8:35am to 11:35am, and the afternoon from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Those are useful anchors for planning travel and care around the nursery session.
For enquiries, call 01636 689 177 or email office@holytrinity.notts.sch.uk. Personal visits can be arranged through the school office. For the Little Acorns' outdoor session, children need suitable outerwear, wellies and old clothes; on PE day they come wearing their PE kit. These routines make clothing part of preparing for the day's activities.
Foundation 1 sessions run from 8:35am to 11:35am and from 12:15pm to 3:15pm.
Book of the Week gives learning a shared focus, alongside children's interests, adult teaching and activities children choose themselves.
Yes. EYFS activities take place indoors and outdoors, and the Little Acorns visit Eco-Land for Muddy Friday.
Parents can use Class Dojo messaging, email or arrange an appointment through the school office.
No. Families need a separate application through Nottinghamshire County Council. Applications on faith grounds also require a Supplementary Form returned to the school office.
