Claremont Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

At the inspection on 13 and 14 December 2022, stories provided a starting point for nursery reading at Claremont: children listened and took part by repeating familiar phrases. That gives even a child who cannot yet read a way to participate. Listening comes first.

The nursery belongs to Claremont Primary and Nursery School on Claremont Road in Nottingham. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 December 2022. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating, so it should be understood in that context.

Early reading begins with shared stories. In December 2022, nursery children were listening to storytelling and supplying recurring words and phrases. The practical emphasis is on hearing language and joining in, giving children an active role before independent reading begins. For parents, this is a useful distinction: nursery reading involves participation in a story, rather than simply expecting children to read print.

During the 2020–2021 school year, nursery learning covered the areas associated with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Communication, physical development and social and emotional development formed the prime areas. Alongside these sat mathematics, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. In plain parent language, that brings relationships, movement and talk into the same learning picture as early number work and books. These are historical curriculum details, rather than a description of a current session timetable.

In December 2022, children in early years became comfortable with the setting quickly and formed friendships. That matters for the nursery experience: getting used to being away from home also involves building relationships with other children.

Claremont works with parents and carers to recognise children's strengths. Across the school, planning is adjusted for individual children and groups who need additional support, and a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator forms part of the support structure. For a family considering nursery, that provides a route into conversations about their child's learning needs. The emphasis is on partnership with parents as well as adjustments to learning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline.

Reception admissions are managed by the Nottingham City Schools Admissions Team; nursery applications go through the School Office. These are distinct routes. Treat the nursery decision as a choice about your child's early education, and keep the later school application as a separate task.

For a nursery application, visit the School Office to arrange an admissions date. There is also a nursery application form for nursery-only applicants. The office is the contact point for help with joining.

Prospective families can arrange a school visit through the office, with opportunities to meet staff and see classrooms. A visit gives parents a practical opportunity to consider the setting before applying. The school's contact number is 01159156870, and its address is Claremont Road, Nottingham, NG5 1BH.