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Nursery at Trent College
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mud, water and sand give Trent College’s youngest children plenty to investigate, while communication provides the thread through their learning. This is the separately registered nursery and pre-school for children from birth to four, within a school whose junior division is The Elms. The schools occupy a shared campus in Long Eaton.
At the ISI inspection on 25 to 27 March 2025, the registered early years provision received an outstanding judgement for overall effectiveness. That judgement belongs to the registered early years setting: it is not a single overall grade for Trent College.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with children’s development and care. Here, communication is central: adults encourage babies’ early sounds, then introduce vocabulary as words emerge. Activities follow children’s interests, with earlier learning revisited to help new ideas stick. Construction areas are adjusted when staff observe that children need fresh challenge.
Indoor spaces and outdoor learning both contribute to the day. In the wild garden, a jigsaw activity gives children a reason to cooperate. Exploration of sand, mud and water encourages curiosity and concentration, while carefully planned physical activities help children develop confidence in movement.
Social learning has practical examples too. Children vote on which story to hear, visit local care homes and practise buying snacks through pretend play. These experiences introduce choices, consideration for others and everyday exchanges. Family and community visitors also share cultural traditions and clothing, giving children concrete ways to learn about differences between people.
A key person provides continuity, with staff understanding both their own key children and others in the room. When children change rooms, adults exchange details about learning and care, then keep talking after the move. This makes the handover more than a single conversation.
Emotional support is tailored to age. Reassurance, distraction and cuddles help younger children; prompt adult responses help older children handle difficulties. Staff help children name feelings and consider the effects of their actions, involving parents early when extra support is needed. Families receive progress information and opportunities to speak with their child’s key person, alongside daily conversations at collection and drop-off.
Mealtimes also build independence: children choose food and help tidy afterwards. Handwashing is practised from an early age so that personal hygiene becomes familiar. These are useful everyday skills, alongside the learning activities.
Support for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) rests on staff sharing information promptly and following a consistent approach. Team development includes mathematics training, coaching and supervision. Safeguarding was effective in March 2025, supported by recurring staff training, checks of play spaces each day and evacuation practice.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact the school about applying for Reception. The room-to-room handovers described above support children’s care and learning; they do not establish a Reception admissions advantage.
The school’s address is Derby Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 4AD. General enquiries can be sent to enquiries@trentcollege.net. For parents already attending, drop-off and collection provide regular opportunities to exchange information with staff about their child’s progress and wellbeing.
The registered setting caters for children from birth to four years old.
ISI judged the registered early years provision outstanding for overall effectiveness at its inspection on 25 to 27 March 2025.
Activities include cooperative learning in the wild garden and exploration with mud, sand and water.
Parents receive progress information, have opportunities to talk with their child’s key person and exchange information with staff at drop-off and collection.
No. Contact the school about applying for Reception.
