Newark Flying High Academy Nursery Review

Singing, storytelling and music give this nursery its clearest character: early language work combines activities led by adults with opportunities to practise through play. Nursery children have two adult-led Phase 1 phonics sessions each week, making listening and speaking a concrete part of their learning.

This is the nursery provision within Newark Flying High Academy, a primary school on Warburton Street in Newark. The current school has no Ofsted graded rating yet. That is the school's inspection position, rather than a separate nursery judgement.

No Nonsense Phonics Skills is the named approach to early reading. In Nursery, its Phase 1 work sits alongside singing, music and storytelling, with activities intended to develop the speaking and listening skills that prepare children for reading. The emphasis is on building the foundations, with two sessions led by adults each week rather than the daily lesson pattern used later in school.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) also includes practical number work. Children use objects and pictures to explore calculation: cubes and counters sit alongside role play and small world play. Pictures provide another way to record their calculations. For a parent, this means number learning involves handling materials and representing ideas, rather than relying only on written work.

A maths plan spans Nursery and Reception and identifies the concepts to be taught. That gives the nursery's number activities a place within a longer teaching sequence. It is a curriculum connection; it does not determine admission to Reception.

Food can be discussed before a child starts. Families touring the school can meet the cook and talk through dietary requirements if their child will have school dinners. This creates a practical opportunity to discuss meals alongside meeting the nursery staff, rather than treating food as a separate administrative matter.

For additional needs, parents can contact the special educational needs coordinator through the school office by telephone or email. The school describes inclusion as a priority and emphasises cooperation between parents, teachers and children. That provides a direct contact route for discussing a child's needs. It is an expression of the school's approach, rather than an inspection judgement about nursery support.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the deadline for their entry year.

Reception admissions are managed by Nottinghamshire Local Authority, with online applications preferred. Families living outside Nottinghamshire should use their home local authority. Nursery applications, by contrast, are handled through the school office in liaison with the early years lead. These are separate processes, so arranging a nursery place should not be treated as completing a Reception application.

Visits are available for families considering Nursery. Contact the office on 01636 683353 or email office@loverslane.notts.sch.uk to arrange one. The school is at Warburton Street, Newark, NG24 1LT.

After a tour and an introduction to staff, families receive an application pack containing the forms needed for a nursery application, together with information about expectations and uniform. This gives parents a concrete next step after seeing the school and discussing any dietary requirements.