The Milford Academy Nursery Review

Polar Bears, Arctic Foxes and Arctic Hares give Milford Nursery its own identity: three carpet groups sharing stories, songs and play, with a large garden for outdoor learning. The 120-place nursery, also known as Antarctica, forms part of The Milford Academy’s early years provision in Clifton, Nottingham. Children can join after turning three, usually when the next half term begins, or start later if their family prefers.

There is an important qualification to that picture. The Ofsted inspection published in January 2026 judged early years Needs attention. Children became independent and settled into routines, but adult support for learning was inconsistent. Families should weigh the opportunities for play against the need for more consistent teaching during it.

Carpet-group activities bring children together for number work, singing, social games, stories and phonics. Outside those group times, children choose their play inside or in the garden. This gives the day both shared activities and room for individual interests. Families can practise 5 Little Ducks at home, extending singing beyond nursery group time.

Stories connect much of the learning. A book is explored for around two weeks, linked to a half-term theme; topics include Growing and Marvellous Me. Familiar titles include The Gingerbread Man and The Enormous Turnip. Returning to a story gives children repeated opportunities to use its language and explore its ideas through play.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the framework for learning, development and welfare. Development Matters also guides the nursery’s planning. In everyday terms, the emphasis includes learning through exploration, maintaining interest in an activity and developing ideas. Children’s ages, developmental stages and interests inform the activities planned for them.

Reading has a clear place in the day. In January 2026, nursery children enjoyed rhymes with actions and learned to recognise sounds around them as preparation for reading. Across early years, the learning spaces allowed children to practise familiar skills again. However, some activities did not suit children’s developmental stages closely enough, slowing their progress. Adults also missed chances during play to extend language, thinking and confidence, leaving some developmental gaps untackled. More consistent conversations with children, both outside and inside, were a required improvement.

Settling was a positive feature in January 2026: early years children adapted readily to routines and became more independent. Adults were warm towards them, although the learning value of their conversations varied. Close working between staff and parents supported children’s development and wellbeing.

Daily milk and snacks are part of nursery group time. School lunches follow a three-week rotation, with choices including a jacket potato or a meat or vegetarian meal, followed by dessert. Lunches can be booked ahead through Relish when the family’s Arbor account has credit; families should obtain current charges from the school.

Class Dojo, half-term updates and topic information help parents keep up with nursery learning. Early years story bags contain books and accompanying resources to share at home, giving families something concrete to enjoy together beyond the session.

Attending Milford Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two distinct decisions.

Morning and full-time patterns are advertised, but published nursery timetables differ. Confirm current session options and drop-off and collection times with the nursery before arranging childcare. Children are offered 15 hours each week, with full-time places of 30 hours for eligible families. Families seeking that option need to tell the nursery promptly.

Nursery children are exempt from the school’s uniform requirement. For an application form or a look around, call in or email admin@milford.nottingham.sch.uk. Prospective families can arrange a visit before admission. The school’s breakfast and after-school clubs accept children from Reception onwards, so those arrangements do not extend the nursery day.