Little Herons Nursery at Robert Mellors Primary Academy

A purpose-built preschool with its own outdoor learning space gives Little Herons a distinct identity within Robert Mellors Primary Academy in Arnold. Designed by school staff, it caters for children aged two to four and connects with the school's Foundation Stage provision. The nursery offers funded places for eligible two-year-olds alongside places for children using the 30-hour entitlement.

Entry can begin in the term after a child's second birthday, where eligible. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 4 and 5 October 2022; that judgement covers early years within the school, rather than Little Herons separately.

Outdoor activity and language give the early years curriculum its shape. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together communication, physical development, relationships, literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Here, staff follow children's interests and introduce adult-directed activities, combining children's choices with planned teaching.

Daily Physical Fun sessions put movement into the routine. Forest School and resources with several possible uses introduce children to taking considered risks, while visits to the park and library connect learning with familiar places. The school aims to develop vocabulary throughout these experiences, giving children words to describe what they encounter and do. Books and learning about positive relationships also feature in the early years approach.

Little Herons has its own outdoor environment, while children using 30-hour funding may spend parts of their day in both the preschool and Foundation Unit. Staff work in both, giving those children continuity across the spaces. In October 2022, nursery children enjoyed sessions guided by adults and learned independently in surroundings that supported calm, focused activity.

Ofsted also identified a curriculum concern in October 2022: some subjects needed a more precise order for teaching knowledge and skills across the school, starting in early years. This qualifies the positive early years findings and makes the progression of learning a useful topic for discussion during a visit.

Every child receives a home visit before starting. This gives staff a chance to learn about the child and family before nursery begins, so the first conversations about support happen in familiar surroundings. The nursery describes its staff as highly qualified and trained, with their work across both settings supporting continuity.

Lunch can be brought from home, or families can choose a charged hot meal ordered through ParentPay. Parents supply nappies, wipes and nappy sacks; the nursery makes no charge for nappies or resources. These are practical preparations for the day, especially for children still needing personal care.

For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), support does not depend on having an Education, Health and Care plan. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher, and the SEND coordinator helps agree support with families. Parents of children on the SEND register are offered termly review consultations, making them part of decisions about targets and provision.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives admission priority. Families must make a separate Reception application to their home local authority by its application closing date. Nottinghamshire residents apply through Nottinghamshire County Council's school admissions hub. Keep that application separate from arranging nursery attendance.

Transition support is a different matter. Staff working across Little Herons and the Foundation Unit help maintain familiar relationships. For children with SEND, individual transition arrangements may include additional visits, photograph books or a buddy system, alongside handover meetings involving professionals and parents. These support the change of setting; they do not alter admission rights.

Two-year-old sessions run from 8:50am to 11:50am or 12:15pm to 3:15pm. For eligible children using 30-hour funding, the funded day runs from 9:15am to 3:15pm. An optional earlier start at 8:45am adds a charged half-hour. Families can choose the later start instead and avoid that additional charge.

Trips or visiting activities may carry optional charges. Children are not excluded because families do not contribute, although an event may be cancelled if contributions are insufficient. Ask the school for current charges.

Nursery enquiries and waiting-list requests go through the school office at office@robertmellors.org.uk or 0115 8408068. Funding codes for 30-hour places must be obtained and checked by the office six weeks before starting. School visits can also be arranged through the office.