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Nursery at Gunthorpe CofE Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Structured activities and child-led play sit side by side in Infant 1, giving Gunthorpe’s youngest children two ways to explore and learn. The preschool takes children from age three and belongs to Infant 1, the school’s class for children aged three to five. This places nursery learning within the school’s early years provision.
In February 2026, Ofsted judged early years to be Strong standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years as a whole; it is not a separate nursery rating. The detail behind it matters: purposeful adult interaction, learning indoors and outdoors, and close relationships with families.
Play has direction here. Across early years, indoor and outdoor activities give children opportunities to revisit skills and take their understanding further. Adults assess what children understand, then adjust the activity to move learning forward. Children keep their attention on tasks, collaborate and explain what they are doing. For a parent, this means play is also a way for staff to notice development and respond to it.
Language gets deliberate attention during everyday routines as well as play. Everyday exchanges give children practice in explaining an idea and trying unfamiliar words. Adults’ questions help them think further, building confidence in speaking. Conversation does real work.
Infant 1 combines adult-directed learning with time for children to choose their play. The school’s early years foundation stage (EYFS) provision prepares children for their next stage through these learning experiences. Each classroom also has a reflection space, providing a physical place within the school’s approach to expressing ideas and considering feelings.
Settling involves parents as well as children. In February 2026, early years transition arrangements helped children adjust promptly, while families felt included and kept informed. The school’s Cheers and Tears group supports parents at the start of school life, helping them form relationships and understand routines. That gives adults support while their child gets used to a new setting.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), early years staff draw on specialist advice to tackle obstacles to learning. Children, including those facing greater vulnerability, made progress from their individual starting points. Support is therefore connected to what each child needs to learn next.
Families can contact the school’s SEND coordinator through the office. This provides a direct route for discussing additional needs with the responsible member of the team.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions route by the normal deadline. Treat choosing preschool and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
The early years transition work helps children settle into school life. That practical support should be considered separately from the allocation of a Reception place.
To enquire about preschool or arrange a visit, telephone 0115 9663481. The school office can also be reached at office@gunthorpe.notts.sch.uk. A visit offers families a chance to consider how Infant 1’s combination of structured learning and free play suits their child.
School uniform includes grey trousers or a grey skirt with required grey tights, alongside a green sweatshirt or cardigan and required black school shoes. Clothing should carry the child’s name. A second-hand uniform shop runs on Tuesday mornings and can also be accessed through the office, giving families another way to obtain school clothing.
Gunthorpe takes children into its preschool class from age three.
Preschool belongs to Infant 1, which serves children aged three to five and combines structured activities with free play.
In February 2026, early years was judged Strong standard. This covers the school’s early years provision, rather than being a separate nursery rating.
No. Families need to make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions process.
Telephone 0115 9663481 to enquire about a place or arrange a school visit.
