Squirrels Nursery at Nottingham High School

The Secret Garden, phonics and Star and Squirrel Assembly give Squirrels Nursery its own character within Nottingham High School. This provision for children aged 3 to 4 combines outdoor exploration with early learning and shared celebrations. The school aims to encourage children's individual interests alongside their learning, making personal curiosity part of its nursery ambition.

Exploring the Secret Garden gives children an outdoor setting for discovery; phonics includes learning tricky words, while Star and Squirrel Assembly brings children together to celebrate their friends. These are concrete parts of nursery life, combining opportunities to explore, practise language and recognise one another's achievements.

The nursery curriculum plans examined in March 2025 followed the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent terms, that means developing communication, movement and emotional skills alongside early reading, number work, creative activities and learning about the world. The plans included adapting activities to each child's needs, rather than expecting everyone to learn in the same way.

Adult-directed learning was planned alongside play supported by staff modelling language and showing children how to participate. Indoor resources and outdoor materials were intended to give children opportunities to explore for themselves. Weekly PE was also planned for nursery children, with coordination and physical strength as its purposes. This balance gives families a clear picture of the intended day: guided learning, independent exploration and movement.

Getting to know a child begins with a Stay and Play visit following application. Staff observe how children communicate and interact, as well as their readiness to learn. This gives the team an opportunity to understand the child before entry; it is an assessment visit, rather than a promised settling-in programme.

In March 2025, early-years teachers and assistants had experience supporting children aged three and four. ISI also found that early-years staff had current paediatric first-aid training and training specific to the age group. Staff understood that nursery children might struggle to express worries verbally, making changes in behaviour and physical presentation significant signs to watch.

For children with additional needs, the nursery's curriculum plans included individual adaptations. Families are asked to disclose known needs during application, and a meeting with Learning Support may be recommended to consider the school's suitability for their child.

Reception is a separate application. Attending Squirrels Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families apply again directly to Nottingham High School: an online enquiry leads to an application and School Readiness Sessions.

For a September start, the school recommends applying by 1 December in the preceding year. Late and mid-year applications are considered subject to space. Families should therefore treat nursery attendance and the Reception application as distinct decisions, with the later application requiring its own planning.

Contact the Admissions team at admissions@nottinghamhigh.co.uk to enquire about Squirrels Nursery. The main intake is in September for children aged three; mid-year entry depends on places being available.

Visits can be requested through the online enquiry form, which includes a tour option. A registration charge and an acceptance deposit form part of joining the nursery. Refer to the school for current charges before accepting a place.