Nursery at The King's Church of England Primary Academy

A bug book becoming a child's spider story gives a concrete picture of early learning at The King's: conversation and imagination meeting through play. The nursery is the school's Foundation 1 provision, with children joining part time in the term following their third birthday. It sits within a Church of England primary academy on Holden Crescent in Newark.

At the Ofsted inspection on 3 and 4 October 2023, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Language is a clear strength of the early years experience. In October 2023, adults helped children build their communication skills, including the vocabulary needed for mathematics and for talking with others. Many children were learning English alongside another language, making this work relevant to their participation in play and learning.

Books also become material for children's own ideas. The spider story grew from a child's interest in a factual book about bugs. This is a useful example of learning that connects reading, talk and imaginative play: children have something concrete to discuss, then use it to create a story of their own.

Support for additional needs involves the school's special educational needs coordinator, teachers, families and specialist services working together to understand the child. The school describes support as tailored to individual needs, covering learning, communication, emotional wellbeing and physical development. For parents, that makes conversations about their child's needs part of planning the help they receive.

Classrooms throughout the school have retreat areas, alongside worry monsters and other spaces children can use when they need a pause. Pastoral help extends to parents and the wider family, including support with family difficulties and mental health concerns. Early Help, the Healthy Families Team and CAMHS are among the agencies the school works with. These arrangements give families routes to support beyond classroom learning.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through the normal admissions process; for Nottinghamshire residents, the application route is Nottinghamshire County Council. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

Starting nursery has its own transition arrangements. Once a family accepts an offer, the attendance officer arranges transition. That preparation concerns the nursery start and should not be read as an admissions advantage for Reception.

Foundation 1 begins on a part-time basis. To join the waiting list, contact the school; offers for the following term are sent during the opening week of the autumn, spring or summer term, according to the child's birthday. This means families receive an offer ahead of the proposed start rather than simply turning up when their child becomes eligible.

For enquiries, telephone 01636 680284. School visits are welcome, with a call ahead so a member of staff can show families around. The address is Holden Crescent, Newark, NG24 4HU.