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Nursery at Beardall Fields 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Independence and stories give Beardall Fields’ nursery its clearest character. In January 2026, nursery children were encouraged to tackle unfamiliar activities and do things for themselves; children across the early years enjoyed story time and were happy to attend. This is the school’s own nursery in Hucknall, with a single nursery classroom within the school building.
The practical choice is between morning, afternoon and full-time provision. That gives families distinct attendance patterns to consider, rather than one long day as the default. The early-years judgement needs equal attention: Ofsted’s January 2026 assessment was Needs attention, with weaknesses in curriculum planning and adult interactions.
Play and focused tasks share the day. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children choose some activities themselves and take part in others directed by adults. Learning takes place outside as well as inside, so the nursery approach includes opportunities to explore beyond the classroom. The school aims to develop curiosity, creativity and independence through this mix.
My Family, Celebrations and Animals are among the nursery themes, alongside In the Garden and The Seaside. These give parents concrete starting points for conversations about nursery learning. The school places communication, learning about sounds and early reading within its early-years approach.
Learning to consider. In January 2026, the early-years curriculum needed clearer decisions about what children should learn and in what order. Opportunities to practise early reading and forming letters were insufficient, while adults did not reliably introduce vocabulary or stretch children’s ideas. These weaknesses affected how securely some children developed early literacy. Leaders had sought outside advice, but its effect could not yet be assessed. For parents, the useful focus is how everyday play and conversations help a child build language and practise new skills.
The nursery team includes class teachers, teaching assistants and a care assistant. In January 2026, parents viewed early-years care and support positively. That offers reassurance about children’s experience alongside the concerns about learning.
For children identified with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school prepares individual learning and development targets. Parents are informed, and support and targets are reviewed regularly. Children generally work towards these goals in their usual class, sometimes with teaching-assistant support, keeping additional help connected to everyday learning.
Lunch falls between 11:30am and 12:15pm for full-time nursery provision. The school kitchen prepares meals daily; school lunches are booked and paid for through Compass, and a healthy packed lunch is another option. This makes lunchtime part of the practical decision between a shorter session and the full-time pattern.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Choosing nursery should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself, with the later school application treated as a separate step.
Morning nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am. Afternoon attendance is from 12:15pm to 3:15pm, while the full-time pattern, labelled 30 hours, runs from 8:30am to 3:15pm with the lunch interval between sessions. The school offers 15 and 30 hour nursery places.
To apply, complete and return the nursery forms. Enquiries go to the school office at office@beardallfields.org.uk or on 0115 9638845. Visits can also be arranged through the office, giving families an opportunity to consider the classroom and attendance pattern before applying. Refer to the school for current charges.
Morning, afternoon and full-time (30 hours) nursery places are offered. The school also advertises 15 and 30 hour nursery places.
Morning nursery is 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoon nursery is 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Full-time provision runs from 8:30am to 3:15pm, with lunch from 11:30am to 12:15pm.
Children combine play they choose themselves with activities directed by adults, indoors and outdoors. Nursery themes include My Family, Animals and The Seaside.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process by its deadline.
Contact the school office on 0115 9638845 or email office@beardallfields.org.uk. Visits can be arranged through the office, and nursery applications require completed forms.
