Lawrence View Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

A purpose-built nursery within the main school gives Lawrence View's youngest children a space designed for their stage of learning. On Walker Street in Eastwood, this is the school's own nursery provision, with places allocated from the term following a child's third birthday.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 15 and 16 November 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Songs, rhymes and stories give a concrete picture of early learning here. In November 2022, children in early years built their vocabulary through singing and rhyme, while adults brought stories into play to develop understanding. Story sacks also went home for families to enjoy together. This connects learning in school with something parents and children can share at home.

Outdoor learning has a named approach: Forest School. The school has a qualified Forest School practitioner and uses woodland within its grounds, alongside a large green area with newly planted trees. All children have opportunities for Forest School lessons during the year and to use outdoor resources in free play. Possible activities include hunting for mini beasts, creating art from natural materials and building dens. The school aims to develop confidence, creativity and independence through these experiences.

Independent learning. In November 2022, early years children were not being prompted to apply their learning independently. Some children, including those in early years and those with SEND, depended too heavily on adult help. For families, the important distinction is between joining an adult-led activity and being able to use that learning alone.

Before nursery begins, the school aims to arrange a familiarisation session. This offers an initial opportunity to get to know the setting rather than making the first nursery session the first contact.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school's support arrangements include appointments with the special educational needs coordinator and termly structured conversations with parents. Those meetings bring together progress, provision and the family's knowledge of their child at home. Learning spaces can be adjusted to meet individual needs, with specialist support where necessary.

Medical needs and dietary requirements can be accommodated through individual arrangements. Ramps provide wheelchair access throughout the school building and playground, giving families a concrete accessibility feature to consider. Before a child starts, additional visits and particular arrangements can be discussed with the SEND team so that support can be planned ahead.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority. Families must make a separate Reception application to the local authority, either online or on paper. The deadline is early January before entry. Nursery membership does not replace that application.

Oversubscription priorities include catchment residence and siblings, with distance used to decide between applicants within a category. Families should therefore treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

After a Reception place has been accepted, the school contacts families about transition arrangements. Additional visits between educational phases can also be arranged through the school's SEND support. Familiarisation helps children prepare for a change; it does not change their admission priority.

Nursery applications and enquiries go through the school office, which supplies application forms and arranges appointments to see the nursery. Families are told whether a place has been allocated one school term before the intended start.

Contact the office on 01773 719463 or email office@lawrenceview.notts.sch.uk. For Forest School, children are encouraged to bring suitable outdoor clothing, including waterproofs and wellies, with seasonal additions for cold or sunny weather.