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Nursery at Sutton-On-Trent Primary and Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A Forest Garden, a greenhouse and shared early years spaces give Little Gems a distinctly outdoor character. This is the nursery within Sutton-On-Trent Primary and Nursery School, with children joining from the start of the term after their third birthday. Capacity is capped at 16 children in the morning and 10 in the afternoon, so the two parts of the day have different limits.
Nursery children share their classroom and outdoor learning space with Reception children. For families choosing a school nursery, that everyday familiarity is a practical attraction: the surroundings are already part of the child's experience before the next stage.
Children's interests help shape the early years foundation stage (EYFS) curriculum here. Broad themes provide a starting point, while staff use in the moment planning to respond to what catches children's attention. In parent terms, learning can develop from a child's curiosity rather than staying fixed to a predetermined activity.
Twinkl Phonics brings a more structured strand to the day, with daily teaching beginning in Nursery. Stories accompany the programme's work on early reading and writing skills. Alongside this, the spacious classroom and outdoor area give children different places to explore and learn.
The Forest Garden supports exploration of nature, while gardening takes place in the greenhouse. Wild Learning has a fire pit area, and early years children spend part of each week learning outdoors. Wild Passport provides plans for structured outdoor activities intended to develop teamwork, resilience and problem solving. These are concrete reasons to consider Little Gems for a child who enjoys investigating outside.
In May 2023, Ofsted found that nursery children communicated effectively, illustrated by children discovering creatures beneath logs and sharing their excitement with one another. The discovery gave children something to talk about and share with one another.
Settling begins before the first regular session. Early years staff visit children at home, then offer two school visits before the starting date. This gives the team a chance to meet a child in familiar surroundings and gives the child an introduction to school before attendance begins.
For children staying all day, lunch can be a hot meal prepared in the school's kitchen or a packed lunch brought from home. Families therefore have a choice built into the longer day. In May 2023, nursery children also joined older pupils for lunchtime play, wearing high-visibility jackets to help others take extra care around them.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) sits within the school team. The SEND coordinator supports parents and staff, arranges referrals when necessary and coordinates advice from outside agencies. Parents with concerns about their child's needs can discuss them with the team. Weekly family updates cover class activities and reminders, with paper copies obtainable through the office.
Attending Little Gems does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline.
Shared indoor and outdoor spaces provide continuity for children moving into Reception here. That familiarity concerns the child's experience of the transition; families should treat the Reception application as a separate decision and process.
The 15-hour pattern runs Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 11:45am. The 30-hour pattern covers the same weekdays, ending at 2:45pm. It comprises 15 universal hours and 15 extended hours; working parents seeking the extended hours obtain an eligibility code through Childcare Choices.
An optional, charged 45-minute extension takes the longer day to 3:30pm, matching older siblings' finishing time. Contact the school for current charges. Gates open at 8:40am, before the 8:45am start.
Visits can be arranged through the school office, which also handles nursery enquiries. Call 01636 821286 or email office@sutton-on-trent.notts.sch.uk. School uniform uses dark green sweatshirts or cardigans with white or dark green polo shirts; families can choose items without a logo.
Children can join at the beginning of the term following their third birthday.
The 15-hour provision runs Monday to Friday from 8:45am to 11:45am. The 30-hour provision runs from 8:45am to 2:45pm on the same days, with a charged extension to 3:30pm available.
Early years staff make a home visit, followed by two visits to school before the child's start date.
Children staying all day can have a hot meal from the school's kitchen or bring a packed lunch.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline.
