The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Bulwell St Mary's 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Daily dough disco, messy exploration and resources children can choose themselves give this nursery its character. F1 is the nursery class within Bulwell St Mary's Primary and Nursery School on Ragdale Road in Bulwell, Nottingham. The school provides for three-year-olds, with nursery learning forming part of its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Christian values shape the learning themes and the nursery's aims. The early years team wants children to develop a sense of belonging and learn to care for other people, their surroundings and their work. That gives the provision a clear emphasis on relationships alongside learning through play.
Play and brief adult-led teaching share the day. During continuous provision, children can select accessible resources and pursue their own activities; extra materials change with the theme or a skill being developed. Open storage uses photographs and symbols to show where things belong. Choosing and tidying become opportunities to practise independence.
Neutral backgrounds, natural materials and real objects form the early years environment, with children's work and books adding colour. Outdoors, learning involves sensory exploration, physical movement and opportunities to assess risks. Inside, stories and singing bring children together on the carpet, while PE takes place in the hall. Daily dough disco exercises small hand muscles in preparation for writing.
The EYFS connects learning to everyday development: talking and listening, movement, relationships and managing feelings sit alongside early literacy, number work, investigating the world and creative expression. SCARF supports personal and social learning. Maths follows the White Rose Yearly Overview, which divides objectives into smaller learning steps.
Half-term concepts include Belonging, Journeys and Environment, giving activities a shared theme. Nursery children also join younger school pupils for collective worship each week. In October 2024, Ofsted identified vocabulary development beginning in early years, with an example of children explaining amphibians and their habitats. Conversation therefore has a learning purpose: adults introduce words, explore children's interests and ask questions that extend their play.
Visual timetables in each early years room help children follow what is happening. Simple Makaton signs, together with photo and symbol labels, provide further ways to understand routines and resources. These are practical supports for children who are still developing spoken communication.
Class Dojo connects nursery families with the team and shares learning information. Parents and carers also have opportunities during the year to join activities, trips and celebrations of learning. For SEND enquiries, the school's inclusion contact can be reached through the office or at sendco@bsm.nottingham.sch.uk.
Food rules apply across the school: products containing nuts and fizzy drinks must stay at home. Families can submit medical dietary requirements or religious diet requests using the Special Diet Information Form. Safeguarding concerns go to the designated team through the school office; urgent concerns should be raised by telephone.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Children do not move into the main school automatically: families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority admissions process.
For entry in September 2027, the closing date is 15 January 2027. Online applications are encouraged; Nottingham City residents can alternatively return a paper School Common Application Form to the city's School Admissions Team. The local authority sends the place offer directly to families. Treat this as a separate decision and deadline, even while your child attends F1.
The school office handles enquiries on 0115 9151506 or admin@bsm.nottingham.sch.uk. The school is at Ragdale Road, Bulwell, Nottingham, NG6 8GQ.
School uniform combines a red polo with a black jumper or cardigan, black trousers or skirt, and black shoes. Branding is optional, and the School Uniform Swap Shop provides second-hand items, with requests handled through the office. School payments for meals, trips and events use the Arbor App, giving families a separate payment channel from Class Dojo communication.
The school provides nursery education for three-year-olds. Its nursery class is F1.
Children combine play using accessible resources with short adult-led teaching. Activities include stories, singing, PE in the hall and daily dough disco.
F1 uses Class Dojo for communication and learning updates. Families also have opportunities to participate in activities, trips and celebrations of learning.
No. A separate application is required through the normal local authority admissions process. For September 2027 entry, apply by 15 January 2027.
Contact the school office on 0115 9151506 or email admin@bsm.nottingham.sch.uk.
