Edna G. Olds Academy Nursery

Natural materials, outdoor play and small teaching groups shape nursery life at Edna G. Olds Academy in Lenton, Nottingham. Children can join from the term after their third birthday. The nursery sits within the academy’s purpose-built Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Unit, with outdoor play equipment adding space for exploration beyond the classroom.

Teaching leads the curriculum, but children also choose activities and investigate ideas for themselves. The nursery uses elements of the curiosity approach: staff follow children’s interests and introduce materials that invite exploration. This gives the day two distinct strands, guided learning and time to pursue a discovery independently.

Morning registration starts at 8.45am, with support for children to practise writing their names and register themselves. A small phonics group follows at 9.00am. From 9.30am, play sits alongside adult-supported groups for early maths and speaking and listening. Children can choose between outdoor and indoor activities when the doors open.

The EYFS curriculum brings together movement, relationships and communication, alongside early reading and writing, maths, creative expression and learning about the world. These areas appear in learning spaces outside and indoors. Children explore independently or join an adult for a guided activity, so learning includes both personal choices and shared tasks.

Natural resources are part of the curiosity approach. Staff use children’s interests to shape the following week’s planning and offer open-ended materials to prompt questions and investigation. The emphasis is on what children do with an idea, rather than simply completing an adult’s task.

At 11.30am, children gather for stories, songs and games before the morning session finishes at 11.45am. Those staying all day have lunch then. Afternoon registration is at 12.45pm, followed by phonics at 1.00pm and play with group activities from 1.30pm. Another shared story, song and game session begins at 3.00pm, before home time at 3.15pm.

Registration includes time to help children settle into the classroom. Staff model expectations and use recurring routines, aiming to make the environment calm and predictable. This places settling within the everyday rhythm of the session.

Snack time gives children a small practical responsibility: they help themselves to fruit and choose water or milk. Snacks run alongside play rather than requiring everyone to stop together. For full-day children, lunch falls between 11.45am and 12.45pm; meals carry an additional charge.

School Gateway provides a messaging route between families and school, as well as handling dinner payments. Parents can also raise safeguarding concerns through the school office and ask for the designated safeguarding team. The staffing structure includes a SENCO at assistant headteacher level and an EYFS lead.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process. The route is Nottingham City Council’s online application service, with telephone applications also accepted on 0115 9150763. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

Full-time places run from 8.45am to 3.15pm. The morning option is 8.45am to 11.45am; the afternoon option runs from 12.45pm to 3.15pm. These are distinct session choices, so the collection time matters when planning the family day.

Funded provision includes 15 hours per week and 30-hour places for eligible working families. Families seeking the latter are asked to check eligibility during the term before their child turns three and obtain a code. Meals are charged separately; contact the school for current charges.

Enquiries and pre-booked nursery visits can be arranged through admin@ednagoldsacademy.co.uk or 0115 915 6813. An enquiry form can also be emailed or handed into the office. Nursery collection uses the main reception gate, giving families a specific collection point.