Nursery at Carr Hill Primary and Nursery School

At the April 2022 inspection, children’s interests helped shape early learning at Carr Hill. The nursery belongs to Carr Hill Primary and Nursery School on Tiln Lane in Retford, placing it within a primary school rather than a separate childcare setting.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 26 and 27 April 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. The useful distinction for parents is between the early learning provision and the wider school.

Communication gives the early years curriculum a clear focus. In April 2022, teaching helped children build their language skills, and adults drew on children’s interests when choosing how to teach. That connects planned learning with things children already want to explore, giving them a reason to join in and communicate.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for early learning and support for children with additional needs. Carr Hill’s early years curriculum covered the learning areas in a deliberate sequence, with effective teaching identified in April 2022. Picture books also feature in early years learning about friendship and difference through No Outsiders. They provide a concrete starting point for talking about other people and belonging.

Curriculum oversight. In April 2022, senior leaders had not monitored delivery in early years sufficiently. Their understanding of children’s development was consequently incomplete. For families, progress monitoring deserves attention alongside the activities children enjoy.

For developmental concerns, the child’s class teacher is usually the first point of contact. The SENCo becomes involved in planning and reviewing provision for more complex needs. Parents can communicate face to face, over the phone or by email, giving families several ways to keep a conversation going.

SEN Support involves discussing a child’s strengths and difficulties with parents, assessing needs, putting strategies into practice and revisiting progress. Its goals include independence and wellbeing as well as communication and learning. Where appropriate, outside advice can come from occupational therapists, educational psychologists or speech and language therapists.

Across the school, the Pastoral Care Team also supports families. Its expertise includes sleep coaching, counselling and Rainbows bereavement support, with help for sleep difficulties, loss and worries about transitions. These are school-wide services rather than nursery-specific care routines.

Safeguarding concerns can be raised with staff or the designated safeguarding team. Staff receive recurring child protection training, and the school office can direct a parent’s concern to the appropriate person.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the later school application as two separate decisions.

For enquiries, contact the school office on 01777 702948 or email office@carrhill.notts.sch.uk. School tours can be booked with the headteacher through a form that includes a preferred visiting time and the intended start date. This gives prospective families a direct way to arrange a visit.