St Andrew's Nursery, Skegby

Play leads the learning at St Andrew's, with a large nursery unit for children aged 3 and 4 and a choice between morning, afternoon and full-time provision. This is the nursery within St Andrew's CofE Primary and Nursery School on Mansfield Road in Skegby. It combines a school setting with an approach that gives children opportunities to develop at their own pace.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), supported by Development Matters, shapes the curriculum. In parent terms, learning brings together children's physical, creative, emotional and social development alongside academic skills. Play is the means of learning, rather than simply a break between lessons. The nursery aims to build independence and confidence through opportunities matched to children's pace.

At the July 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that nursery learning drew on connected indoor and outdoor facilities. Its positive findings about children in early years give parents a dated indication of how the provision was working. One early-years activity involved cleaning a beach after reading about its environment. That example shows how a story can become practical learning, giving children something to do with the ideas they encounter in books.

Exploring the World also gives nursery learning a concrete purpose: the F1 goal is to respect and look after the world and the places children live. This makes care for their surroundings part of learning, alongside the nursery's emphasis on growing independence.

Qualified staff support the nursery's play-led approach. The team structure includes an F1 teacher and F1 support staff, with an EYFS lead overseeing the early-years phase. For families, that places nursery teaching within a wider early-years team.

Support for additional needs follows the school's SEND arrangements. Teaching takes account of children's starting points, and individual targets are divided into smaller steps so progress can be recognised. Children with identified special educational needs generally learn with their peers while receiving support tailored to their needs. Concerns about SEND provision go first to the SENCO.

Communication includes letters sent through Dojo, with paper copies obtainable from the school office. This gives families a way to keep track of school messages and an alternative to receiving them digitally.

A separate application matters. Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nottinghamshire County Council controls school admissions, so families must apply again through its school admissions route by the normal deadline. Choose a nursery place for the nursery experience itself.

Funded provision includes 15-hour morning or afternoon places and 30-hour childcare for eligible families. The 30-hour option amounts to a full-time nursery place during term time only. Breakfast Club and After School Club are available to children taking full-time places, giving those families an option for care around the nursery day.

Chargeable extras apply; contact the school for current charges. Nursery enquiries and visits can be arranged through the school office on 01623 484522 or at office@st-andrews.notts.sch.uk. A visit offers families a chance to consider the nursery unit and its play-led approach before choosing a place.