Elkesley Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Outdoor learning continues through the seasons at Little Acorns, with children choosing between indoor and outdoor activities except when the weather becomes too challenging. That freedom shapes the nursery's character. Elkesley Primary and Nursery School takes children from age three, and nursery children share Little Acorns with Reception children.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 4 and 5 March 2025. This judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play and adult guidance work together here. The nursery follows Development Matters within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), covering communication, personal development and movement alongside early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. In parent terms, learning extends beyond letters and numbers to how children talk, cooperate, move and explore.

Children's interests influence activities alongside topics introduced by teachers. Resources are accessible for children to choose, while staff use observations to decide when to extend an activity or work individually with a child. Group learning, guided activities and play chosen by children all contribute to the day. The outdoor area supports the same learning areas as the indoor space, making it another place to learn rather than simply a break from the classroom.

There are concrete examples of learning about the community. Little City brought role play about people who help us to Little Acorns and Oaks, and Little Acorns also had a fire brigade visit. These experiences give children people and roles to explore through play. In March 2025, early years children had purposeful opportunities for play and learning, supported by activities with a particular staff-led focus. Books also had a central role in early years learning.

Dojo connects learning at nursery with home. Staff share photographs and videos, and parents can contribute milestones of their own. Progress is also tracked through OPAL, Observation through play and learning: a focused observation takes place during each child's birthday month, with a review two months later. This gives families specific strengths and development points to discuss. Parents' evenings take place twice a year for all children; the October meeting discusses settling into the new class and shares targets.

Support for additional needs sits within the school's SEND arrangements. Teaching can be adapted, individual education plans created and teaching assistants used for targeted help. The Psychology Service and Language and Speech Therapy Service are among the outside agencies that may advise staff; parents are consulted before contact. Physical access across the school includes ramps, rails and a shower/changing room with a hoist.

Lunch can become part of attendance once part-time children have settled. A midday supervisor is assigned to nursery children, who can bring sandwiches or have a charged school meal. Food is cooked at school, with a vegetarian option each day and specific dietary needs accommodated through consultation. Families therefore have a choice of lunch arrangements, with supervision specifically covering nursery pupils.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. The route is Nottinghamshire County Council's admissions hub.

Sharing Little Acorns with Reception children provides familiarity with the class setting. Keep that everyday continuity separate from the admissions decision: a nursery place should never be treated as a secured Reception place.

Part-time attendance consists of five half-day sessions. The Little Acorns teaching role includes an EYFS teacher, within the wider school team.

Uniform applies to children attending the school. It includes black footwear, grey or black trousers or shorts, a red or white polo shirt or a white shirt, and a red jumper, cardigan or fleece. Plain tops are accepted alongside school-logo versions.

For enquiries or to arrange a school tour, call 01777 838615. The school office can also be contacted at office@elkesley.notts.sch.uk. Refer to the school for current meal charges.