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Nursery at Nottingham Girls GDST
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
In March 2024, balance scales, butterfly lifecycles and a feelings monster board illustrated this nursery's character: practical discovery alongside learning to understand emotions. Nursery provision belongs to Nottingham Girls' High School GDST, an independent girls' day school on Arboretum Street. It sits within the infant and junior school, whose age range starts at three.
The ISI inspection of 19 to 21 March 2024 found confident Nursery children who joined activities eagerly. That confidence had a concrete expression: children investigated objects with scales and explained how differences in weight affected the balance.
In March 2024, choice and adult guidance both featured in the early years day. In March 2024, children selected a learning area at the beginning of the day; when the role play space was full, others accepted an alternative. This gave independence a practical shape, alongside the need to share space with other children.
Teacher-guided weighing brought mathematical ideas into an investigation children could see and handle. Studying caterpillars becoming butterflies made changes in living things tangible. These examples show early learning through objects, observation and conversation, rather than simply completing tasks.
An outdoor classroom extended that exploration beyond the indoor learning areas. In March 2024, the early years outdoor space was maintained well and helped children explore their surroundings. Resources and displays also supported their understanding of the world. Language learning included hearing and working with the spoken components of words and sentences, building foundations for later literacy.
In March 2024, settling was shaped around the individual child. In March 2024, arrangements for children entering early years took account of their particular needs, and teaching supported learning in a warm atmosphere. This matters for a child who needs a different pace of introduction from her peers.
In March 2024, the feelings monster board gave emotions a place in the daily routine. Children indicated their feelings at the start of the day, and teachers responded with sensitive conversations to help them understand and manage those emotions. Early years staffing levels provided enough adults to meet children's needs. Staff and children also recognised the designated safeguarding lead for early years, giving them an identifiable person responsible for safeguarding.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat the move to Reception as a separate admissions question and apply through the normal process by the relevant deadline. Familiarity with the school should not be mistaken for an admission entitlement.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school on 0115 941 7663 or email enquiries@not.gdst.net. Refer to the school for current charges. GDST fees are normally collected before each term by Direct Debit; nursery pupils cannot use the GDST prepayment plan.
The Early Years grant covers 15 hours a week for three- and four-year-olds from the term after their third birthday, but participation is optional for GDST schools. Check participation directly with the school before budgeting around that entitlement. Tax-Free Childcare payments can cover nursery fees; childcare vouchers cannot cover lunch charges.
Yes. The nursery is part of Nottingham Girls' High School GDST, a girls' school.
Examples from March 2024 include investigating weight with scales, studying caterpillars becoming butterflies and choosing between learning areas, including role play.
In March 2024, early years children used a feelings monster board to indicate their emotions, followed by sensitive discussion with teachers.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception admission as a separate decision.
Yes. Tax-Free Childcare payments can be used towards nursery fees. Pass your Tax-Free Childcare reference to the GDST so payments can be allocated to your nursery account.
