Mapplewells Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Colour mixing, wooden-block landmarks and crocus planting give Mapplewells’ nursery a practical, creative character. Foundation 1, also called F1, sits within the school’s Foundation Unit on Henning Lane in Sutton-in-Ashfield. Children can start at the beginning of the term following their third birthday.

This is nursery provision within a primary school. At the Ofsted inspection on 28 and 29 January 2025, early years provision received an Outstanding judgement. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Enquiry questions give learning a theme. During summer 2026, F1 explored whether nature could inspire art, examining leaf patterns and animal markings. Children tried mixing colours, painted paper and combined their contributions into a shared collage. The activity connected looking closely at the natural world with making something together.

Construction featured in spring 2026. Wooden blocks became models of British landmarks, while coloured tissue paper was used to make flags. Children also compared the United Kingdom with South Africa, exploring animal patterns, making sunset pictures with pastels and discussing foods. These are concrete ways to introduce places beyond children’s immediate surroundings through materials they can handle.

The autumn 2025 enquiry explored significance through people’s jobs, future ambitions and remembrance. Drawing self-portraits and pictures of people important to them gave children opportunities to practise pencil control. Across these examples, early learning combines conversation, observation, construction and art.

In January 2025, early years children grouped shapes and practised accurate letter formation while building their capacity to keep writing. These examples make the Early Years Foundation Stage tangible for parents: children develop early mathematical understanding and writing skills through specific tasks. Beyond the classroom, F1 children planted crocus bulbs with the Rotary Club in front of the school on Henning Lane, giving them a direct role in a planting project.

F1’s team includes a class teacher and a teaching assistant. In January 2025, early years staff understood children’s individual interests and needs, helping them get off to a positive educational start.

Starting nursery includes preparation for additional needs. The registration process lets parents share medical conditions or special educational needs so relevant services can help with the move into F1. This gives families a practical opportunity to explain support requirements before their child starts.

Across the school, the SENCO coordinates additional support. Specialist teachers from SFSS can advise on autism or hearing and visual impairments. Parents of children receiving SEND support are invited to review targets with the class teacher three times a year, providing regular opportunities to discuss adjustments. F1 families also receive termly updates containing dates and events.

A separate application is essential. An F1 place does not guarantee a Reception place at Mapplewells. Families must apply through Nottinghamshire County Council’s coordinated admissions process; applications can be made online, by telephone or by post. The council allocates places.

For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. Treat that as a past admissions cycle, rather than a deadline for a child starting later.

Nursery registration is handled through the school, using an F1 registration form. Keep contact details updated so the team can contact you about the place and transition dates.

Visits can be arranged through the school office. For nursery enquiries or to arrange a look around, telephone 01623 455949 or email office@mapplewells.notts.sch.uk.