Sutton-Cum-Lound CofE School Nursery

Learning that starts with children's interests gives Sutton-Cum-Lound's early years its clearest character. In March 2022, children settled into learning through tasks matched to what interested them, and practised sharing and taking turns. Those are useful foundations for a child learning to join a group and work alongside others.

The nursery provision belongs to Sutton-Cum-Lound CofE School on Portland Place in Retford. Its context is a Church of England school. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good following the inspection on 29 and 30 March 2022; that judgement covers early years within the school.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is followed using Development Matters guidance. For parents, this means the early learning curriculum supplies the framework, with Development Matters informing how learning is planned. Sutton's stated aim is to develop children's creativity alongside their knowledge and skills through memorable experiences.

First-hand experiences and revisiting learning are part of the school's curriculum approach. Sutton aims to return to ideas so that children retain them over time. This gives parents a useful distinction: the intention is for an experience to contribute to lasting learning, rather than simply fill a session.

In March 2022, early years learning included daily phonics, helping children build their knowledge of sounds. Reading books were matched to the sounds pupils had learnt, allowing them to practise with material suited to their knowledge. Tasks linked to children's interests helped them engage, while established routines supported the flow of the day. The practical emphasis was on learning to participate as well as learning to read.

Sharing and waiting for a turn were evident among early years children in March 2022. Children treated one another kindly. For families, these everyday behaviours matter because joining group activities involves managing relationships as well as completing a task.

For concerns about special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the class teacher is the school's first point of contact. Sutton uses a graduated response and says it aims to recognise needs early and arrange support promptly. That gives parents a clear starting point for discussing a difficulty and how teaching should respond to it.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Keep this application separate from arrangements for attending nursery: choosing the nursery is not an allocation of a school place.

School tours can be arranged at a convenient time by calling 01777 705990 or emailing admissions@suttonlound.notts.sch.uk. A tour gives families an opportunity to discuss the nursery day directly with the school.

At school level, breakfast club starts at 7.45 am, and the after-school Sutton Club runs until 5.30pm. These are school provision timings, rather than nursery session times.