Abbey Gates Primary School Nursery Review

Teacher-guided learning and familiar routines give Abbey Gates’ early years provision its character. In February 2024, children developed their communication and knowledge through adult-led activities, understood the daily routines and played cooperatively. Those are useful foundations for a child’s first experience of school.

Foundation 1, or F1, is the nursery provision at Abbey Gates Primary School in Ravenshead. Children can start in the term after their third birthday. It sits within the school’s early years unit, with a class teacher, teaching assistant and a personal care assistant working across the unit. The February 2024 Ofsted inspection graded early years provision Good; that judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

In February 2024, the early years curriculum was carefully planned, with guided activities helping children build knowledge and develop their ability to communicate. In parent terms, the emphasis was on learning with an adult and becoming comfortable with a shared routine. Children knew what was expected of them. Cooperative play formed part of that experience too.

During 2023/24, the F1 day mixed phonics and Squiggle with periods of busy time. Group teaching covered maths or literacy, while later activities explored creative expression and the world around the children. Stories and singing rounded off the day. Fruit and milk provided a break between activities, and lunch had its own place in the routine.

Outdoor exploration has also featured in F1. During 2021/22, Trekking Tuesday took children to the school pond and searching for minibeasts, with seasonal changes shaping their learning. Exploration continued in different weather conditions, making wellies and suitable clothing part of the practical preparation. That year also included fortnightly Friday library visits: children heard stories from the librarian and brought a book back to share at school.

A personal care assistant works across the early years unit alongside F1’s classroom team. In February 2024, children’s care was a positive feature of early years provision. For families preparing to start, a meeting with parents and children takes place before the start date to agree which sessions are needed and which can be offered.

The school’s Care & Connect Team includes a SENCO and assistant SENCO. Parents can contact the SENCO using a form or arrange an appointment through the office, giving families a direct route to discuss additional needs. Parent support resources cover autism and anxiety, neurodevelopmental support and Mindful Emotion Coaching, extending the subjects families can explore beyond classroom learning.

Attending F1 does not guarantee a Reception place at Abbey Gates. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions process, using Nottinghamshire County Council’s route and meeting the applicable deadline. Treat choosing nursery sessions and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

Families receiving 15 funded hours can purchase extra hours when space permits. Eligible families can access up to 30 funded hours, which may be split between childcare providers. Session preferences go to the school office on a form; allocation depends on what can be accommodated. Contact the school for current charges.

Buzz Club accepts F1 children for breakfast and after-school care. Breakfast begins at 7.30am, and afternoon care finishes at either 5pm or 6pm according to childcare needs. This extends the childcare options around nursery attendance. To enquire or arrange a visit, contact the office at office@agps.org.uk or 01623461010.