Nursery at Phoenix Infant and Nursery School

A ladybird story, painting and conversations about feelings capture one example of nursery learning at Phoenix: activities that give young children something concrete to talk about. In 2020–21, nursery children explored happiness and grumpiness through stories and art.

This is the school's own nursery on Phoenix Avenue in Gedling, Nottingham. Children can join from the term following their third birthday. It sits within an infant and nursery school, so families are choosing provision attached to a school rather than a separate childcare setting.

The Bad Tempered Ladybird prompted nursery children to make themselves into ladybirds during Children's Mental Health Week in 2020–21. They discussed what made them grumpy, then painted happy self-portraits and talked about what brought them happiness. The activity linked listening, making and conversation. For a young child, a character and a picture provide tangible starting points for explaining a feeling.

Early number work also has a concrete example. During the inspection on 11 and 12 January 2022, an early years number task covered one to five. Children concentrated on the activity and were keen to answer the teacher's questions. That observation concerns early years collectively, rather than nursery alone. It shows children doing more than reciting numbers: adult questioning formed part of the activity.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), teachers adapt learning to individual needs. The school aims for children of different backgrounds and abilities to participate in an accessible curriculum. For families, the useful detail is the arrangement for discussing support: the special educational needs coordinator also holds the headteacher role and can be contacted through the office or a child's class teacher.

The nursery's 2020–21 feelings activity gives a separate example of emotional learning. Children talked about both pleasant and difficult feelings, using their own experiences alongside a story. This offers a practical connection between classroom activity and conversations families might have at home.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions process, meeting the deadline for their child's admissions year. The route is Nottinghamshire County Council's school-place application service. Treat nursery registration and the later school application as two distinct decisions.

Getting to know the next team is a separate matter. For the September 2024 Reception intake, Phoenix offered introductory activities and information intended to help children become familiar with staff. Recorded stories from the Foundation 2 team provided another way to hear their voices before starting.

In June 2021, incoming Foundation 2 children and their families were invited to Stay and Play sessions on the main playground. These opportunities supported familiarity with staff and other families; they did not secure admission.

Nursery registration can be completed using an online form or a form collected from the school office. The school telephone number is 0115 9539927.

Parking. Phoenix occupies a built-up area at the brow of a hill. Drivers must keep entrance markings and emergency access clear, and avoid blocking neighbours' driveways. Allow time to park considerately and complete the journey to nursery on foot.