Carrington Primary and Nursery School Nursery Review

Democracy, diversity and sustainability give Carrington’s early learning a distinctive thread. The nursery belongs to Carrington Primary and Nursery School in Nottingham, with both full-time and part-time places. Families can therefore choose between two attendance models within the school’s foundation provision.

At the June 2024 Ofsted inspection, early years provision was graded Good. Children made a positive beginning, with planned activities helping them retain their learning. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, which Carrington describes as the starting point for children’s knowledge and skills. In June 2024, early years activities supported children in remembering both taught content and their experiences. The emphasis is on learning that stays with them.

The curriculum’s Golden Threads connect sustainability with diversity and democracy. These ideas recur across subjects and year groups, giving children recurring concepts to build on. Collaborative learning extends from EYFS through the school: children practise hearing other views and respecting different perspectives. This makes listening to others part of learning together.

A foundation outdoor area and foundation play area form part of the physical setting. Foundation children follow their own timetable, so the older pupils’ daily schedule should not be treated as the nursery routine.

Additional support involves parents from the start. Carrington’s school-wide SEND arrangements include discussion with families when extra help is needed, with visual aids, technology and individual or small-group interventions among the ways teaching is adapted. The starting contact for a developmental concern is the child’s class teacher.

For children receiving Wave 3 support, the SEND coordinator holds termly meetings with parents. Provision maps and specialist reports are shared, giving families concrete information about the help their child receives.

Meals are cooked on the school premises, with meat and vegetarian choices. Families can discuss allergies and medical dietary requirements, while packed lunches need a named container. The school asks families to keep nuts out of lunchboxes and classroom treats. These are school-wide food arrangements; the infant free-meal entitlement applies to Reception and Years 1 and 2.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Nottingham City Council, following the normal application deadline. Nursery applications are handled by the school, so the two processes need separate attention.

For children with SEND, transition support includes sharing information at summer-term meetings and using a pupil passport to explain strengths, needs, triggers and helpful strategies. Children moving from an early years setting are introduced to their new setting and staff. Those with higher levels of need can take home a transition book with photographs and key information, making the change more familiar.

To join the nursery waiting list, email admin@carrington.nottingham.sch.uk or telephone 01159156825. Prospective parents can arrange a school visit through the office.

Foundation families use the gate into the outdoor area, which teachers open at 8:25. School event dates are communicated through Class Dojo. School meals require advance payment, and families can pay through Arbor.