Kneesall CofE Primary Academy Nursery Review

Storybooks, songs and plenty of outdoor activity shape nursery life in Robins, Kneesall’s Foundation Stage class. Nursery children aged 3–4 belong to a Foundation Stage that also includes Reception children. This is the school’s own early years provision, with teaching that can respond to children’s interests while keeping to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Kindness, courage and faith are the school’s values. The nursery’s more concrete character comes through in its learning: talking together, painting self-portraits and using wheeled equipment. Children have several ways to express themselves and get moving.

Language gets deliberate attention. The Read Write Inc. nursery scheme centres on adults reading aloud, children learning songs and poems, and conversation. The school aims to narrow differences in children’s language experience through these activities. In the final nursery term before Reception, children begin learning letter sounds with memory aids and combining sounds into words.

A storybook goes home each week. Families are encouraged to revisit it, discuss the pictures and let children supply familiar words as they get to know the story. That gives parents a specific activity to share at home, closely connected to the nursery’s emphasis on spoken language.

Daily maths uses White Rose Maths, while Development Matters guides children’s development across the EYFS. In parent terms, learning includes practical number work alongside language and other developing skills. Teaching can change with the cohort’s needs and interests, allowing spontaneous learning alongside planned work.

Outdoor activity is a regular part of Robins life. Wheeled equipment, games resources and obstacle courses provide opportunities for physical development; EYFS Forest School adds another outdoor experience. During the autumn term, these resources support movement before PE lessons begin in spring.

The autumn theme Me and My World included children studying their reflections to paint self-portraits. Stories, emotion stones and creative work with natural materials supported exploration of feelings. Visits from a paramedic and a police officer connected learning with people who help others. These are concrete examples of early years learning through observation, conversation and making things.

The Foundation Stage team includes teachers, an EYFS lead and a teaching assistant. Parents receive photographs through Class Dojo each week, providing a regular connection with classroom activities. Morning snack time includes the option of milk: families register through Cool Milk, and children under five receive it free.

For children needing SEND support, the school gathers information from parents and education, health and care services before entry. Support follows a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review, with parents involved in agreeing adjustments and considering their effect. Termly progress meetings give families a recurring opportunity to discuss support and next steps.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate school application through their home local authority’s normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year. Nottinghamshire County Council coordinates normal-round applications for schools in its area. Treat nursery attendance and the Reception application as separate decisions.

Robins children need a labelled bag, water bottle and waterproof coat, plus wellington boots where possible. Spare socks and at least two changes of pants and bottoms support everyday care. Reading books and diaries are supplied when children are ready to use them.

Enquiries go to the school office at office@kneesall.snmat.org.uk or 01623 861069. Office hours run from 8am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.