Cantrell Primary and Nursery School Nursery Review

Books, rhymes and daily number work give Cantrell’s nursery its character. This is provision for three- and four-year-olds within Cantrell Primary and Nursery School on Cantrell Road in Bulwell, Nottingham. Language is a clear focus, with Little Wandle Foundations beginning in nursery.

At the March 2024 Ofsted inspection, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings communication, social development and learning together. Cantrell aims to give children opportunities to communicate and develop their language, alongside learning to be kind, responsible and respectful. For parents, the emphasis is on how children express themselves and relate to others as well as what they learn.

Little Wandle Foundations gives early reading a named starting point. Speaking and listening receive attention alongside books and rhymes. In March 2024, the early years curriculum followed a carefully ordered sequence, delivered effectively by staff working together. Children responded positively to predictable routines and clear expectations for behaviour. That structure helps make the session understandable for young children.

Numbers receive daily attention through practical experiences. Children match, count, explore patterns and solve problems, including recognising quantities without counting each item. A whole-class Mastery session encourages children to explain their thinking, while play and investigation provide opportunities to use those skills. Beyond the classroom, the school has a dedicated Forest School site accessible to children throughout the year, adding a natural setting to its learning spaces.

Joining arrangements include school visits and opportunities for staff to meet children beforehand. For children with specific needs, extra visits can build familiarity with the layout and adults; a photo transition book or social story may also support preparation at home. These are practical ways to make a new setting more familiar.

Communication support was an early years strength in March 2024, with staff using different strategies for children with additional needs. Parent partnership also had a concrete weekly opportunity: Friday book-sharing drop-ins, attended by many families. Sharing stories gave parents a direct connection with children’s learning.

The SEND coordinator works with teachers and families, and teaching assistants support assessments across the school and nursery. Individual Provision Maps record targets, adjustments and review points, usually reviewed once a term. Families therefore have specific plans to discuss rather than only general reassurance. The school building is on one level, with ramps, handrails and personal care facilities supporting access.

Safeguarding context. In March 2024, serious school-wide safeguarding weaknesses did not extend to early years, where staff gave safeguarding priority. By December 2024, school-wide arrangements remained incompletely effective because safeguarding responsibility was not fully embedded among all staff. Recruitment checks and responses to welfare concerns had improved, but that continuing concern matters when choosing nursery provision within the school.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Nottingham City school admissions handles applications for primary-aged places, separately from nursery applications made directly to Cantrell.

Transition support is a different matter from admission. Children can meet their next teacher during the summer term, with additional visits where appropriate. Pupil passports and photo transition books can help prepare children for the change. Familiarity supports the move; it does not secure the place.

Morning nursery entry runs from 8:30am to 8:45am, with collection between 11:20am and 11:30am. Afternoon entry is between 12:30pm and 12:45pm, finishing at 3:30pm. Full-time places linked to 30-hour funding use the morning entry window and finish at 3:30pm. These distinct patterns let families match attendance to their daily arrangements.

Three-year-olds are entitled to 15 funded hours each week; 30-hour provision is for eligible families. Nursery application forms go to admin@cantrell.nottingham.sch.uk or the school office. Admissions enquiries can be made on 0115 9155770.

Children line up at the nursery door. Morning arrivals after 8:50am require signing in at the main office. Parking. Congestion around the beginning and end of the school day can create safety difficulties, so allow time for considerate parking and collection.