James Peacock Infant and Nursery School Nursery Review

A sandpit, vegetable growing space and forest school give this nursery a practical, outdoorsy character. James Peacock Infant and Nursery School’s nursery in Ruddington has 63 places and forms part of the main school building, connected by a corridor with changing and toilet facilities. Outdoor play has room to spread out, with a playing field and an enclosure for large fixed apparatus.

A qualified teacher works full time in the nursery, with an EYFS Lead overseeing its curriculum. That gives the provision a teaching structure as well as space for exploration. At the inspection on 17 and 18 April 2024, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good; this judgement covers early years across the school.

Play and conversation shape learning. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework 2021, covering seven connected areas: language, movement, social and emotional development, early reading and writing, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, this means learning extends beyond letters and numbers to how children communicate, cooperate and explore.

The school aims to balance activities guided by adults with exploration initiated by children, adapting early years learning around their interests. Storytelling, pretend play and imaginative activities give children opportunities to practise language. Nursery rhymes include Here is the beehive and 5 little monkeys, providing specific songs families can revisit together.

Outside, nursery children have weekly opportunities for practical science learning. The on-site forest school and links with Rushcliffe Country Park give this work a connection to the natural world. The nursery’s growing area brings plants and vegetables into that picture too.

In April 2024, early years children tackled problems together and experimented with natural materials in their artwork. Tree climbing and arranging hammocks added physical challenge in the forest school area. Indoor and outdoor equipment supported a carefully planned curriculum, so exploration had a learning purpose.

Relationships support the learning. In April 2024, early years staff showed care towards children, who had supportive relationships with adults and collaborated with one another. Class Dojo connects families with school life through photographs, videos and achievements; topic curriculum maps also go home through Dojo, helping parents understand what children are learning.

For children with additional needs, the school’s SENDCo works with families and staff on personalised targets, with regular meetings to involve parents. A Language Lead provides targeted help with listening, vocabulary and expressing ideas. These arrangements give families routes into support for communication and development.

Fruit or vegetables and milk are provided free each day. Families can send a packed lunch or choose a charged school hot lunch. The choice matters when planning an afternoon stay, since meals are separate from the funded session arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Nottinghamshire County Council and meet the deadline for their application cycle. Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year have closed; families seeking a place in that cycle should contact the council.

Curriculum continuity is a separate benefit. Nursery teaching connects with the Reception curriculum, and the EYFS Lead oversees the nursery’s planning. That supports continuity in learning for children who continue at James Peacock, while admission remains a separate decision.

Attendance pattern. Children are asked to attend at least four mornings each week, and attendance in the morning is required for afternoon and lunch sessions. This is a significant consideration for families seeking occasional afternoon care.

Morning sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30 and use universal 15-hour funding. The 11:30 to 14:30 afternoon session uses the additional 15 hours for children eligible for 30-hour funding; it is charged for children who are not eligible. The further afternoon period, 14:30 to 15:00, is unfunded and charged. Contact the school for current charges.

Use the nursery entrance for drop-off, with doors opening at 08:30; collection at the end of the nursery day is at 15:00. Children need labelled wellington boots and waterproof clothing kept at school for outdoor activities. Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 0115 9144 225. September and January intakes depend on available places.