Nottingham Academy Nursery

Language gives Nottingham Academy’s nursery its character: everyday routines build vocabulary, while adults develop children’s ideas through conversation. Early writing and number work connect with meaningful activities. These are foundations children can use throughout the day.

The nursery belongs to the academy’s primary provision at Greenwood Road, Nottingham. It caters for ages 3–5, with 60 nursery places. For families, this means a nursery within a school setting, with its own application followed by a separate decision about Reception.

Ofsted’s April 2026 assessment awarded early years Strong standard. That judgement covers the academy’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children’s different starting points shape the curriculum, with language and early literacy receiving deliberate attention.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early learning and development. Here, its practical emphasis includes talking, beginning to write and developing number skills through activities with a purpose. Adults help children explain their thinking, then introduce language that takes those ideas further. Conversation is part of the teaching.

Phonics receives attention early in the curriculum to support reading and writing. Daily routines also become opportunities to practise vocabulary, so learning extends beyond a particular activity. In April 2026, staff checked understanding closely and adjusted the curriculum in response. This gives children’s responses a direct role in what happens next.

Children in EYFS choose their book of the day through a daily vote. It is a small, concrete opportunity to express a preference and take part in a shared decision. Farm trips support EYFS learning about growth and animals, connecting those themes with experiences beyond the classroom.

Close relationships with families contribute to support in early years. In April 2026, staff combined what parents and carers told them with their own knowledge of children to recognise barriers to learning. They adapted support to individual circumstances. Most children made very strong progress across the learning areas, rather than receiving one identical response to different needs.

For concerns about special educational needs or disabilities, the primary team can be contacted at primarysend@nottinghamacademy.org. Its structure includes a primary SEND coordinator and SEND support role. This gives parents a direct point of contact for discussing their child’s needs alongside the everyday partnership with nursery staff.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Nottingham Academy. Families must submit another application through Nottingham City Council’s Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme. For entry in September 2027, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Treat this as a separate application, even when your child already attends the nursery.

Preparation for the next stage is an educational question as well as an admissions question. The April 2026 early years findings identified most children as very well prepared for their next step, supported by individual adjustments and close knowledge of their learning. That preparation does not secure admission.

Nursery applications go through Primary Reception on 0115 748 3385. The primary office is at Greenwood Road, Nottingham, NG3 7EB; general enquiries can also go to adminp@nottinghamacademy.org.

A September 2021 nursery timetable gave the morning session as 08:45–11:45. Those hours belong to that dated timetable and should be treated as historical when planning childcare. The nursery enquiry route and the council Reception application route serve different purposes, so keep both steps in your family’s plans.