Dovecote Nursery: Ladybirds Class

A shared Foundation unit gives Ladybirds Class its school-nursery character: children become familiar with the wider early years environment while learning through play. Dovecote Primary and Nursery School’s nursery serves three- and four-year-olds in Clifton, Nottingham. Entry normally begins in the half-term following a child’s third birthday; June and July birthdays have a September start instead.

For 2025-26, the nursery model comprised 52 places, divided into 26 morning and 26 afternoon places. Early Years teachers and support staff work within the provision. The nursery aims to build independence and confidence through children’s interests, giving play a central role rather than treating it as a break from learning.

Independent play sits alongside adult teaching and small-group learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach here puts emphasis on conversation, curiosity and growing independence: children explore, ask questions and revisit learning with adults. Indoor and outdoor experiences give them different ways to take part, while the shared Foundation unit lets them explore beyond their immediate class environment.

Stories and vocabulary are recurring threads. Adults encourage children to use new words in play and conversation, connecting language with friendships and imaginative activity. Development Matters guides observation and planning. Floor books bring together photographs, children’s words and work from their own play, helping staff consider what children know and where support is needed.

Jigsaw supplies the personal, social and health education programme, with resources extending from Nursery onwards. Its charter includes taking turns, listening and the option to pass, giving children concrete rules for participating in group discussion.

Learning purpose needs scrutiny. At the October 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged early years provision Requires improvement. Inspectors wanted staff to establish a clear teaching purpose for every early years activity. Some tasks added too little to children’s knowledge because their educational purpose had not been clearly defined. For parents, the useful question is what a particular activity teaches and how adults help children build on it.

Settling starts with a family meeting and a nursery visit involving the child. Parents can discuss interests, medical needs and family circumstances before a start date is agreed. Where extra settling support is needed, additional stay-and-play sessions with an adult and a phased start can be discussed.

For children with SEND who cannot safely access the provision, the teacher discusses a phased start or reduced timetable with the family. For specialist advice, the school can approach the Inclusive Education Service. It can also consult the Nottingham City Autism Team or the Educational Psychology Service. Children who need toileting help receive personal care support, with staff and parents working towards a consistent approach at home and nursery.

Communication includes Dojo messages, opportunities for brief conversations and arranged calls or meetings. Half-termly updates cover books, topics and activities to try together at home. Only children with a 30 hours code remain for lunch; they can bring food from home or have a charged school dinner. Meals are cooked on site, and special dietary needs are catered for.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception process and meet its deadline. Nottingham City residents apply through Nottingham City Council; families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority.

Familiarity is a separate benefit. Nursery and Reception share the Foundation unit, so children already know the environment and staff team. Transition days introduce the new class and teacher, while staff exchange information about development and medical needs. Photo booklets can help children who find change difficult. These arrangements support the move; they do not secure admission.

The 2025-26 session pattern was 8:45am to 11:45am for mornings and 12:20pm to 3:20pm for afternoons. Eligible children could attend from 8:45am to 3:20pm using 30 hours funding, conditional on space in the opposite session and staffing capacity. Codes require reconfirmation each term.

Nursery enquiries and visit requests go directly to the school office on 0115 915 2953 or admin@dovecote.nottingham.sch.uk. A welcome meeting gives families time to discuss support before starting. Ask the school for current dinner charges.