Queen Eleanor Primary School Nursery

A shared Foundation class gives Queen Eleanor’s nursery its defining shape: younger children learn alongside Reception children, rather than in a separate nursery class. Based in Harby, Newark, the provision welcomes children from 3 years. Its place within the school is clear from the start.

Ofsted’s March 2026 inspection judged the early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years together; it is not a separate nursery rating. Relationships and independence are strengths, with some adjustments to learning still needed.

Play carries the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) starts with helping children communicate, move confidently and develop socially and emotionally. These foundations support later learning about numbers, reading and writing, creativity and the world around them. Exploration, activity and practical experiences give children ways to develop understanding beyond sitting and listening.

Indoors and outside, learning spaces support children’s curiosity and attempts to solve problems. Outdoor activities also develop physical skills and give children opportunities to try manageable risks safely. Adults deliberately introduce vocabulary, with opportunities to explore and talk for children whose language is less developed. Early mathematics and preparation for reading receive attention alongside this language work.

Matching activities to development. Whole-class activities sometimes fail to suit the different developmental stages within the group. The early years environment and resources also need closer matching to children’s development. For families considering a mixed-age class, the practical question is how a younger child’s activities differ from those of an older classmate.

Children in early years settle readily and build trusting connections with adults. Predictable routines help them feel secure, while cooperative play develops their ability to manage more for themselves. This makes learning to join in and act independently part of the day, rather than a separate lesson.

Snack time has a learning purpose too: children practise independence and develop language for discussing healthy choices. Stay-and-play opportunities and workshops involve parents in early years life, giving families a connection with their child’s learning.

For discussions about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school has a SEND coordinator. Parents can raise concerns through the school office, providing a starting point for discussing their child’s needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admissions priority. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Priority depends on the admission criteria, including care status, catchment and sibling circumstances, with distance used to distinguish applications within a criterion.

Familiarity with the school is a separate matter. Nursery and Reception share the Foundation class, and early years transition visits involve families. These arrangements support continuity of experience, but do not change the allocation of places. Work is also underway to make the learning steps between Nursery and Reception more precise.

The school office handles nursery enquiries for children from 3 years. Contact 01522 703428 or office@queeneleanor.notts.sch.uk to enquire about joining. For SEND discussions, the same office provides a contact route to the coordinator, so families have a clear starting point for raising individual needs.