Heathfield Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Picture books, Number Time and a Getting Ready for Nursery group give Heathfield’s nursery its own character: early learning with a clear connection to home. This is the school’s Foundation 1 provision, accepting children from the term after their third birthday. Nursery provision sits on both campuses, Scotland Road in Basford and Kersall Drive in Bulwell, approximately a mile apart.

At the December 2023 Ofsted inspection, early years provision was graded Good within the school’s inspection. That judgement covers early years collectively, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Books and early maths give the learning a recognisable shape. A class book and theme guide the week, while phonics activities develop children’s ability to distinguish sounds. Number Time introduces mathematical learning alongside vocabulary that parents can use at home. Heathfield uses Read, Write Inc for phonics, with daily sessions across EYFS, the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Social learning sits alongside those first literacy and number skills. Within EYFS, SCARF PSHE and circle time support work on relationships and feelings; children practise sharing resources, taking turns and following routines. These are practical foundations for learning alongside other children. The December 2023 inspection found early years children developing skills for group learning, including sharing, listening and working with others. Confidence using resources, an understanding of routines and secure adult relationships supported their independence.

The physical setting includes an EYFS Yard, EYFS Construction Zone and EYFS Writing Shed, giving early years learning spaces beyond the classroom. At home, a picture book comes back each week for an adult and child to share. Rainbow Reading Challenge Cards recognise repeated reading, linking nursery learning with a manageable family habit.

Getting Ready for Nursery brings children and parents into the preparation for starting. Once a possible start date has been identified, the EYFS team contacts families to discuss admission, school visits and participation in the group. This gives families a point of contact before the nursery day begins.

Every Monday, Bright Ideas shares the coming week’s book, theme, sound activities and maths learning. Parents contribute examples of learning at home through Evidence Me, so communication includes what children do beyond nursery.

For SEND enquiries, families can contact the school office or email senco@heathfield.nottingham.sch.uk. Language support. In December 2023, some early years children needed more targeted help with communication and language. Families whose children need this support should make it a focus of discussion with the team. The same inspection identified school-wide SEND systems that were not fully established, affecting preparation for subsequent learning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions route, online through Nottingham City Council, by the normal deadline.

Apply under Heathfield Primary (Scotland Road), including when seeking Kersall Drive. After the council allocates a school place, the governing body decides the campus. Nursery attendance and the eventual campus allocation are separate practical questions for families to keep in mind.

Part-time nursery places include some full-time equivalents for the oldest Foundation 1 children whose parents hold a 30 hours funding code. This condition matters when planning attendance around work or other childcare.

Since September 2025, children using 30 hours funding have had a lunchtime choice: remain at school with lunch and supervision charged, or be collected during the lunch hour. Contact the school for current charges.

For a nursery application form, contact the school office. Children join a waiting list before an offer is made. General enquiries can be emailed to admin@heathfield.nottingham.sch.uk.