Sneinton St Stephen's CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Talk, turn-taking and play give this nursery its character. Children have opportunities to express themselves, share and listen to others, making everyday interaction part of their learning. The provision is for three- and four-year-olds at Sneinton St Stephen's CofE Primary School on Windmill Lane in Sneinton, Nottingham. Within the school, the nursery is called Foundation 1.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 30 and 31 January 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it gives families a dated assessment of the education and care rather than a separate nursery rating.

Play carries much of the learning. Children explore indoors and outside, with some activities chosen by them and others guided by adults. Staff observe their progress and use what they see to plan each child's next learning steps. The balance can shift towards more adult direction as children's development allows, so the approach responds to readiness.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven connected areas of development. For parents, that means conversation, movement and learning to manage feelings sit alongside early reading, writing and number work. Counting and exploring shapes build mathematical understanding; linking letters with sounds introduces literacy. Role-play, dance, music and art give children ways to express ideas, while exploring their surroundings helps them understand people, places and the environment.

French also begins gently in early years. In January 2024, the curriculum was tailored closely to children's needs, giving individual development a clear place in planning.

In August 2026, refurbishment of the early years interiors was underway, with the finished spaces intended to be shared in September. This was a planned change to the children's learning surroundings.

Settling is a team task. In January 2024, early years staff worked together to help children adjust quickly and engage with their learning surroundings. Parents were encouraged to join activities, linking home and nursery rather than leaving families outside the learning process.

Tapestry keeps that connection going. Foundation 1 teachers share a Learning Round Up video at the end of each week, explaining what children have learnt and suggesting ways to continue at home. It gives parents something concrete to discuss and try with their child.

For additional needs, the school's SENDCo coordinates support with teachers and families. Assess, Plan, Do, Review means identifying needs, agreeing support, putting it into practice and checking progress. Parents join termly support reviews. The school also works with the Early Years SEN support service, including the Portage team, giving staff access to specialist advice beyond the classroom.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions route. For September 2027 entry, Nottingham City Council encourages online applications, with a closing date of 15 January 2027. Keep that deadline separate from nursery arrangements.

Preparation for a new class is a different matter. Next Stage Ready includes summer-term opportunities to meet teachers and explore classrooms, supported by teacher handovers. Children with SEND can have extra classroom visits and personalised transition resources. These arrangements support familiarity with change; they do not secure admission.

Nursery applications use a nursery admission form and supplementary form, submitted to admin@sneinton.nottingham.sch.uk or delivered to the school office. This gives families a direct route to apply for the nursery itself.

For general enquiries, contact the office on 0115 915 1370 or use the same email address. There is also a contact form. The school is on Windmill Lane, Sneinton, Nottingham, NG2 4QB.