Mount CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, conversation and learning to manage feelings give Mount’s nursery its character. Communication and literacy receive close attention within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside the social skills children need to join in with others. This is the nursery provision within Mount CofE Primary School, a Church of England primary on Kings Road in Newark.

The Foundation Stage classes carry the names Saplings and Seedlings. At the Ofsted inspection on 1 and 2 April 2025, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The EYFS approach brings learning and personal development together. Here, that means a curriculum emphasising speaking, understanding language, reading and writing, with emotional development given its own attention. Traditional tales, nursery rhymes, modern children’s books and practical exploration of nature supply the material. Children have reasons to listen, talk and investigate.

Learning about relationships is practical too. Children practise sharing and taking turns, help agree tidying rules and talk about their feelings. Colour mixing and an obstacle course are examples of activities used to develop confidence and help children make choices. These connect growing independence with things children can actually do.

Early reading starts within the early years. The youngest pupils use Read, Write, Inc, which introduces letter sounds in sequence and returns to earlier learning before children combine sounds into words. In April 2025, the early years curriculum followed a clear sequence and supported children’s subsequent learning. Reading support. Checks on letter sounds and help for struggling readers needed greater precision across the school. This matters for families whose child needs extra help with early reading.

Personal, social and emotional development includes learning to regulate feelings, build resilience and develop confidence. Targeted help forms part of the EYFS approach for children with SEND or behavioural needs, so support sits alongside the learning programme.

Families have a practical communication link through Class Dojo. Staff can send direct messages and photographs of children’s work, giving parents something concrete to discuss at home. Foundation Stage families are also asked to use ParentPay. In April 2025, relationships between early years staff and families supported children’s participation in learning.

The EYFS lunch period runs from 12:30pm to 1:15pm. Across the school, SEND support packages are reviewed with families, allowing parents to contribute when support is adjusted.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s intake. Nottinghamshire County Council handles the school’s admissions and waiting lists. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

For enquiries, contact the school office at office@mount.snmat.org.uk or call 01636 688166. School tours can be arranged by telephone, offering families an opportunity to discuss their child’s education with the leadership team.

Mount follows Nottinghamshire County Council’s school holiday pattern. The school uniform combines grey bottoms, a white or pale grey polo shirt, a purple logo jumper or cardigan and sensible black shoes. A limited stock of pre-loved uniform is held at school, with details available from the office.