Middleton Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

A purpose-built nursery room and outdoor learning in every season give Middleton’s youngest children space to play and explore. The nursery moved into its current accommodation in 2019, beside the Reception classrooms. It is part of Middleton Primary and Nursery School in Wollaton, Nottingham.

There are up to 39 places in each session. Children can join in the term following their third birthday, subject to space being available. A qualified teacher leads the nursery, with specialist early years teaching assistants supporting the children. This is a school nursery with a regular half-day rhythm: children attend five mornings or five afternoons each week.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the nursery’s curriculum framework. Here, learning through play includes opportunities to concentrate, cooperate and listen to other children, alongside teaching that responds to what each child needs next. Those social habits matter as much to the daily experience as the activities themselves.

Indoors, a large main room provides space for activities built around children’s interests and imagination. Outside, the learning and play area can be used throughout the year, including in poor weather. Outdoor exploration is therefore part of the nursery’s provision across the seasons.

In February 2023, Ofsted found highly effective provision across the early years, with activities including tinker tables and challenging climbing. Children stayed absorbed in their play and practised sharing and working together. These are findings about the school’s early years provision, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Support starts with adults understanding the children. In February 2023, early years play rangers knew their children’s next learning steps, and children needing help to keep pace received teaching tailored to them. That gives additional support a clear purpose within the learning day.

For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the class teacher works with the school’s SENCO team. Parents are contacted early when staff identify possible additional needs. Families can also raise developmental concerns through the class teacher; advice from Educational Psychology or Speech Therapy may be sought with parental consent. This gives parents a defined route into discussions about support.

Food has also featured in Foundation learning through International Food Sharing Week. Children shared dishes connected with their family cultures, explored ingredients and food traditions, and made prints using fruit and vegetables. The activity linked tasting with creative work and learning about one another.

Attending Middleton’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority in the school application process. Families must make a separate Reception application through Nottingham City Council. The application window runs between November and January in the academic year before the child starts school.

The nursery’s position next to Reception classrooms puts the two stages physically close together. Keep that proximity separate from the admissions decision: a nursery place does not reserve a school place.

Morning sessions run from 8:40am to 11:40am; afternoon sessions run from 12:35pm to 3:35pm, Monday to Friday. The five-session pattern provides 15 fully funded hours of learning and play each week. Families need to plan around the same morning or afternoon pattern throughout the week.

Nursery applications go directly through the School Office, which also arranges visits before families apply. Contact the office on 0115 9153261. Nursery children are exempt from the school uniform requirement.

Collection should be prompt. If a delay is unavoidable, call the School Office so staff can receive the message; children remain supervised until collection. Regular delays require alternative childcare arrangements.