Forest Fields Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Artists in the morning, Explorers in the afternoon: Forest Fields gives its nursery sessions distinct identities, with language and relationships shaping the early learning approach. This is the school's F1 provision for three-year-olds, on Stanley Road in Nottingham. Children attend a morning or afternoon session rather than following the longer school day.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 20 and 21 February 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Each session lasts three hours. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Forest Fields places emphasis on communication, friendships and children's individual development. In parent language, that means learning to express ideas and build relationships alongside gaining knowledge. Vocabulary is taught explicitly, giving children words to use in their play and conversations.

The curriculum is designed for F1 and F2, with texts and experiences used to connect learning to everyday life and the surrounding community. Planning takes account of what individual children already know and need. The aim is to build on their curiosity rather than assume everyone starts at the same point.

Stories have a practical place in early learning. In February 2024, children in early years brought the stories they were reading into their play. That connects books with children's own ideas. Creative exploration also sits within the foundation-stage curriculum, using topics, materials and techniques to encourage children to investigate and make things.

The F1 team includes teachers, teaching assistants and a care assistant. These roles bring teaching and care into the nursery's staffing structure. Across early years, practitioners aim to build secure, respectful relationships with individual children, making personal connection part of the learning approach.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), support in early years was effective in February 2024. Teaching was adjusted to children's needs, with small groups helping staff divide learning into manageable stages. This matters for children who need a task explained or practised in smaller steps.

School support follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review, with parents involved and the SEND coordinator supporting staff and families. The wider school has accessible classrooms and outdoor areas, plus an accessible toilet and changing space in each building. These are practical features for families considering physical access and personal care.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Nottingham City Council's route for children starting school for the first time. Treat that application as a distinct step from arranging an F1 place with the school office.

Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions. Keep both processes in your family planning.

Artists runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; Explorers runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Forest Fields offers 15 hours to all three-year-olds through morning or afternoon attendance. The session boundaries matter when organising work and collection: the nursery timetable differs from the main school's hours.

Nursery enquiries go to the school office on 0115 915 6872 or admin@forestfields.nottingham.sch.uk. The school entrance is at the meeting of Stanley Road and Berridge Road, a useful location detail when planning the journey.