Rainbows Nursery at Greasley Beauvale

A purpose-built classroom inside the main school gives Rainbows Nursery its defining character: children start small, but have access to the library, school hall and wider grounds. This is Greasley Beauvale Primary and Nursery School’s provision for children from three years old in Newthorpe. A qualified teacher leads the nursery, supported by learning support assistants with early years experience.

In January 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection. Children settled promptly, developed independence and made progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Play and clear routines shape learning here. Adults demonstrate routines and help children manage their emotions, while conversations extend vocabulary. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum includes phonics, with early reading, mathematics and writing developed in a planned sequence. For parents, that means play sits alongside deliberate preparation for later learning. Rainbows also participates in the school’s Thinking Schools approach, which aims to help children reflect on how they learn and approach challenges.

Stories give a concrete flavour of nursery learning. The summer’s final half-term theme was Water, with books including Sharing a Shell, The Rainbow Fish and Commotion in the Ocean. Outdoors, an age-appropriate play area connects children with the Reception area and school grounds. Indoors, access extends beyond the nursery classroom to musical equipment, a sensory room and the library. These shared facilities give children different spaces and resources to explore. Whole-school events include concerts and Rainbow Rewards, bringing nursery children into school life.

Relationships support settling: staff know families and children well, helping them respond to individual needs. The Home Start Ready for Nursery pilot aims to build confidence with separating from parents, engaging in activities and meeting other children and adults. Practical independence matters too, with aims covering coats, handwashing, toileting and recognising their own name. These are useful preparations for a child’s first nursery sessions.

Nursery staff have paediatric first aid training. For additional needs, the school’s SEND support begins with a conversation with the class teacher and can involve the SENDCo team; a diagnosis is not required to receive help. Parents can attend review meetings and the half-termly SEND Cuppa and Chat. The January 2026 early years findings nevertheless identified some unevenness in help for children finding learning difficult. Families needing additional support should discuss how it will be tailored to their child.

An optional hot lunch carries an additional charge. Meals are booked through Arbor by 8:45am each day, with sufficient account funds required for nursery bookings. Without a booking, children need a packed lunch. This makes advance meal planning part of the family routine.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through the normal admissions process. For Nottinghamshire residents, the route is Nottinghamshire County Council’s online application service. Nursery attendance was not a priority criterion for September 2026 Reception entry; catchment and sibling circumstances were among the factors used to allocate places.

Transition activities are separate from admission. For the 2026/27 starters, these included a parent meeting, stay-and-play with parents present and a later children-only session with classmates and teachers. Nursery children also have access to the Reception outdoor area, providing familiarity with part of the next stage’s surroundings.

Funded places cover 15 hours or, for eligible families, 30 hours. Additional sessions and lunch can be paid for separately; eligible families submit a parent declaration alongside their nursery application. Application forms are returned to Nursery@greasley.notts.sch.uk, and enquiries go to the school office on 01773 712128. Contact the school for current charges.

Ace Sports Coaching provides access to wraparound childcare from 7:30am to 6:00pm, extending the childcare window around nursery. Uniform applies to nursery children: a dark blue cardigan or sweatshirt, a white or light blue top and grey or black bottoms are among the options. School logos are optional, allowing families to use plain clothing in the required colours.