Bunny CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Pirates, seaside questions and counting songs give Bunny’s nursery its character. Nursery children belong to Willow Class alongside Reception children, placing their early learning within a shared class rather than a separate nursery setting. Bunny CofE Primary School takes children from age three and has a Church of England identity. Its address is Church Street, Bunny.

Willow has a class teacher and teaching assistants. For families, the defining feature is that shared early-years organisation: nursery children begin within the class structure of the primary school.

Enquiry gives learning a theme. Willow’s summer 2026 Create topic included a question about why pirates like the seaside, linking an imaginative starting point with learning about the world. Honesty was the value focus attached to that topic. These are concrete examples of the school’s aim to make children curious and involve them in discovery.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) covers language, physical development and personal development alongside literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and creative expression. In parent language, learning extends beyond letters and numbers to communication, movement, relationships and making things. Playing and Exploring, Active Learning, and Creating and Thinking Critically also feature in the approach.

Songs add another route into learning. Willow uses Five Little Ducks and Ten Green Bottles; action-song resources include Move and Freeze. Early mathematics follows White Rose Maths alongside NCETM Numberblocks, giving families named programmes to connect with learning at home.

In July 2022, Ofsted found that early-years learning followed a clear sequence, adults understood the children, relationships were positive and children were ready for their next learning stage. The same inspection requested clearer essential knowledge in some subjects across the school, extending from early years onwards, and more consistent assessment in some subjects. That wider curriculum concern belongs alongside the positive early-years findings.

Knowing the children was a strength of early-years care in July 2022. This matters for young children whose confidence and learning depend on relationships with familiar adults.

Willow’s personal, social and emotional learning includes SCARF. Across the school, its principles connect friendship and resilience with caring, safety and achievement. The school also adapts learning and provision for children with additional needs. Families can contact the SEND co-ordinator through the office, providing a direct route to discuss support.

Safeguarding responsibilities sit with a designated lead and deputy leads. The school trains adults regularly and provides routes for families to raise concerns by telephone, email or a private Dojo message.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority; nursery admission is handled directly by the school. Treat these as separate decisions when planning your child’s next step.

Sharing Willow Class with Reception children is part of the nursery’s organisation. It does not replace the Reception application process or secure a place.

Burrows provides term-time wraparound care for nursery children and full-time pupils from Reception upwards. Breakfast Club runs from 7.30am to 8.45am and includes breakfast; After School Club runs from 3.25pm to 6.00pm with a light snack. Ask the school for current charges.

School staff run Burrows in the hall, with activities also using the playground and field. Regular places require a booking form and confirmation that the request can be accommodated. Occasional sessions need availability confirmed by email or telephone. Changes to regular bookings require ten working days’ notice.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0115 921 2727 or office@bunny.notts.sch.uk.