Sturton CofE Primary School Nursery

An extended Foundation Unit gives Sturton’s nursery a named base within the school. At the April 2023 inspection, early years staff prioritised language development through play and conversation. Nursery provision begins at age three within this Church of England primary school in Sturton-le-Steeple.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 19 and 20 April 2023. That is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating. The school aims to personalise learning for individual children, with a Christian ethos shaping its approach.

Language gave the early years day a clear focus at the April 2023 inspection. Staff put children’s communication first during shared play and conversation. Talking was part of learning itself: children had opportunities to develop language while taking part in activities.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach combines planned experiences across the learning areas. In April 2023, the early years curriculum gave children a firm basis for subsequent learning, and staff worked together to plan those experiences. Early reading and phonics teaching began in the early years class. The school uses Phonics Bug for early reading, linking teaching with its resources.

Physical space adds another dimension. Alongside the extended Foundation Unit, the school has covered areas for outdoor learning and a room used for activities with small groups. Elsewhere on the school site, a tyre park, scramble wall and outdoor classroom in the Conservation Area sit alongside large playgrounds. These are school facilities; the Foundation Unit gives the youngest provision its own named base within that wider setting.

Foundation staffing includes teaching and learning support roles, with lunchtime supervision also represented. This connects classroom support and care responsibilities within the school team. Meals at the school are supplied by Ideal Meals.

Safeguarding was effective at school level in April 2023. Staff knew children and families well, recognised concerns promptly and had current training. Leaders responded to concerns and worked with families and outside organisations. Those arrangements provide the wider safeguarding framework around the nursery.

The school aims to help children understand difference and equality. There were also school-wide improvement priorities in April 2023: some foundation subjects needed more precise sequencing for mixed-age classes, while understanding of different faiths, cultures and British values needed further development. These were broader school concerns, rather than a separate adverse judgement on nursery provision.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate processes, so families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the applicable deadline. Keep that application distinct from the decision to take a nursery place.

The school is on Church Street in Sturton-le-Steeple, Retford, with postcode DN22 9HQ. Visits are welcome and can be arranged by contacting the school. This offers a practical opportunity to see the Foundation Unit before choosing the provision.

For enquiries, email office@sturton.notts.sch.uk or telephone 01427 880342. Refer to the school for current charges.