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Nursery at Richard Bonington Primary and Nursery School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Rhythm, rhyme and a daily story give Richard Bonington’s nursery a distinct starting point: children explore language before formal reading takes centre stage. This is the school’s 39-place nursery in Arnold, on Calverton Road, with places offered from the term following a child’s third birthday, subject to availability. The provision is known as Foundation Stage 1 (FS1). A foundation unit equipped with technology forms part of the school’s facilities.
Language and practical maths shape the learning. In FS1, Phase One of Letters and Sounds introduces patterns, rhyme and rhythm through sensory activities and games. Daily stories give children opportunities to learn how books work and to talk about what they hear. The emphasis is on enjoying stories, giving early reading a starting point that parents can recognise and share.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning also includes developing language through conversations with adults. For families, that means vocabulary is part of everyday interaction, alongside the story session.
White Rose Maths resources support learning in the Foundation Stage, where mathematical ideas are explored practically through play and children’s interests. Counting principles are a focus. The approach puts early maths into activities children are already interested in, rather than treating it solely as a separate written task.
Getting acquainted starts before the first session. Nursery teachers meet families during the preceding term, either at home, at school or through an organised meet and greet. Parents and children then attend an hour of stay and play together. The usual arrangement is for children to begin their full session the next day with parents leaving, although a different arrangement can be agreed. Families should plan around that fairly quick move to independent attendance.
In December 2023, children in the early years settled successfully and understood expectations for sitting and listening.
At lunchtime, midday supervisors provide care. Children can bring food from home or have a paid school dinner, giving families a choice between a packed lunch and an ordered meal.
For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), support involves the class teacher and SENCO. SEND Support Plans have at least termly reviews, with parents contributing to outcomes and provision. Physical access includes a lift serving the Foundation Stage unit, while the school also has a nurture room and small sensory area. These are concrete features to consider alongside a child’s individual support needs.
Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives admission priority. A separate application is required within the normal admissions timetable. Nottinghamshire residents apply through Nottinghamshire County Council’s coordinated scheme using its online common application form; families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority. Keep that application separate from nursery arrangements.
Transition support for children with SEND includes Pupil Passports and My New Class booklets when moving between Foundation 1 and Foundation 2. These help communicate a child’s needs to their next teachers. That preparation is distinct from obtaining a place.
The 15-hour pattern consists of five mornings, 8.45am to 11.45am, or five afternoons, 12.45pm to 3.45pm. The 30-hour option combines both sessions. Lunch runs from 11.45am to 12.45pm and falls outside the 30-hour entitlement, so families using lunchtime care need to budget for a separate charge.
Paid lunchtime sessions must be settled before the relevant half term begins, and missed sessions remain chargeable, including absences for sickness or holidays. School dinners are charged separately. Contact the school for current charges.
Families seeking the 30-hour entitlement must apply for their code through gov.uk in the preceding term and renew it periodically. Children without the full entitlement can attend for 30 hours by paying for additional hours in advance each half term. Breakfast and after-school care are available through Lime Trees Childcare.
Nursery applications use a form obtainable from the office, nursery or online. For enquiries, contact the school office at admin@rbps.org.uk or call 0115 956 0995.
Places are offered for the term after a child’s third birthday, subject to availability.
Yes. The 15-hour offer is five mornings from 8.45am to 11.45am or five afternoons from 12.45pm to 3.45pm. The 30-hour option combines both sessions.
No. Lunchtime care from 11.45am to 12.45pm is charged separately, and school dinners have an additional charge. Children may bring a packed lunch.
Teachers meet families in the term before starting. An hour of stay and play with a parent precedes the child’s first full session, unless another arrangement is agreed.
No. It does not guarantee a place or confer priority. Parents must make a separate application through the normal local authority route within the admissions timetable.
