Greenfields Community School Nursery

Language, early reading and growing things give Greenfields’ nursery its character. Little Wandle begins in Nursery, while raised beds in each class’s outdoor area bring planting into children’s learning. This is the nursery provision within Greenfields Community School in The Meadows, Nottingham, with access to the school’s wider arrangements for supporting children with additional needs.

Little Wandle provides the named approach to phonics and early reading. Alongside it, the school emphasises spoken language and storytelling in children’s earliest learning. For parents, that means the focus extends beyond recognising letters: talking and telling stories also have a place.

In December 2024, communication and language ran across learning from the start of Nursery. Children encountered non-fiction, poetry and stories, giving them different kinds of books to explore. Mathematics also had a clear learning sequence beginning in the early years. These are useful foundations for families seeking a nursery where language and number learning have a defined place.

Outdoor learning has a physical base: the Early Years outdoor area has been enhanced. Raised beds across the class outdoor areas have enabled every class to sow seeds and plant out what they grow. Produce grown across the school includes beans, strawberries and pumpkins. Growing gives children something tangible to care for and observe as it changes, rather than keeping learning about plants solely indoors.

Support for additional needs belongs to the wider school team. The SENCO coordinates provision, drawing together information from families, staff and specialist advisers. Teachers discuss concerns with parents and the SENCO, and support follows a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review. This gives families a role in deciding what their child needs and checking how support is working.

Adaptations can include practical or visual learning, work in small groups and visual timetables. These are possible responses to individual needs, rather than a single package for every child. Speech and language therapists are among the specialist services the school can involve when needed; parents take part in discussions about referrals.

The shared school facilities include the Rainbow Room for sensory activities and learning away from the classroom, plus a Mentor room for individual or small-group work. A single-storey building supports access for wheelchair users and children with mobility difficulties. These physical details matter when considering how a child might use spaces beyond their usual classroom.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions route: Nottingham City Council handles applications online, with applications made before January 15th each year. Treat that application as a separate step in your family’s planning.

For children with SEND, the class teacher and SENCO pass additional information to the next teacher within school. That continuity concerns support for the child; it does not secure admission.

Greenfields is on Orange Gardens, off Kirkby Gardens, in The Meadows. General enquiries can go to admin@greenfields.nottingham.sch.uk or 0115 915 3762; there is also a contact form. Parents with concerns about additional needs can contact the class teacher or SENCO, including through senco@greenfields.nottingham.sch.uk.