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Nursery at Firbeck Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Daily rhymes, fruit smoothies and play alongside older children give Firbeck’s nursery a distinct character. Nursery children belong to Class 1, which also includes Reception and Year 1. Within the early years space, nursery teaching is separate, while shared play gives younger children opportunities to learn from older companions.
Children attend part time from the term following their third birthday. This is the nursery within Firbeck Academy in Wollaton, Nottingham. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 June 2023. That judgement covers early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Rhyme time happens daily. It develops children’s language and awareness of sounds, while early mark-making involves practising shapes, zigzags and wavy lines. These are concrete steps towards using language and controlling a pencil, rather than simply starting formal lessons earlier.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines social and emotional development, movement and communication with early maths, literacy, creative activity and exploration of the world. Adult-guided activities sit alongside play that children choose themselves. Short carpet sessions, individual teaching and small groups give the day different rhythms; resources children can reach independently let them investigate their own interests too.
A large indoor learning area is complemented by outdoor space with partial overhead cover, allowing outdoor learning throughout the year. The school library adds another place to explore books. Friday brings both a library visit and nursery PE, with Premier Education teaching the PE session. Forest School is currently paused for Class 1, so families should distinguish the outdoor learning space from a running Forest School programme.
Practical learning includes preparing food. Nursery children have tasted strawberries, pears, plums, apples and bananas before cutting fruit and blending smoothies. This connects sensory exploration with using tools. Sessions also finish with a nursery celebration, giving children a moment to recognise effort before going home.
The Class 1 team includes teachers, an early years practitioner and teaching assistants; one teaching role also carries SEND coordination responsibilities. In June 2023, children in early years played cooperatively, approached activities with curiosity and experienced caring relationships. Learning activities were planned around what children needed to develop.
Firbeck encourages families to share information about starting early years with their child before joining. Daily staff conversations, Class Dojo, parent evenings and opportunities to spend time in class provide several ways to maintain contact. Power of Parenting (POP) sessions also support learning at home. Thursday morning Stay and Read gives parents a practical way to take part: sharing a book with their child in the classroom.
Hot lunches are served in the school hall. That makes mealtime part of the wider school setting, alongside the nursery’s classroom routines.
Attending Firbeck’s nursery does not guarantee admission to Reception. Families must make a separate application through Nottingham City Council, using its online application or requesting a paper form, and meet the normal application deadline. Choose the nursery for the experience it offers now, while treating the later school application as a separate decision.
Shared play with Reception children provides familiarity with older peers. It is a day-to-day connection, not a promise of a school place.
The nursery offers a flexible funded entitlement of 15 hours, attended part time from the term after a child turns three. Nursery applications use a form collected from the school office. Families can contact the school directly to arrange a visit before deciding.
Uniform combines dark grey trousers, skirts or pinafores with white or pale blue tops and royal blue knitwear. Morley’s School Outfitters supplies branded items, but plain alternatives are accepted. Label belongings and provide a coat for outdoor activity. For Friday PE, children need a white top, black or blue shorts or joggers, and trainers; long hair should be tied back and earrings removed.
Children attend part time from the term after their third birthday, with a flexible funded entitlement of 15 hours.
No. A separate application must be made through Nottingham City Council, and the academy’s admission criteria apply.
Daily rhyme sessions develop language and sound awareness. Children also practise shapes and different lines as preparation for writing.
Forest School is currently paused for Class 1. Early years also has outdoor learning space with partial overhead cover.
Thursday morning Stay and Read lets parents share a classroom book with their child. Other contact includes daily conversations, Class Dojo, parent evenings and POP sessions.
