Whipman Woods Flying High Academy Nursery

Elm Class starts with play and an introduction to reading: children explore, build friendships and begin noticing the print around them. This is the nursery at Whipman Woods Flying High Academy in Worksop, with entry from the term following a child's third birthday. The school opened in September 2024 and describes belonging as one of its curriculum principles.

There is no Ofsted graded rating yet. This provision is part of the primary school, so families are choosing a nursery within a school rather than a separate childcare setting.

Teeny Reading Seeds gives early literacy a specific shape. Children practise hearing sounds, joining them into words aloud and separating spoken words into sounds. Capital and lower-case letters are introduced with picture memory aids. The emphasis is on preparing the building blocks of reading, alongside recognising print in everyday surroundings.

Number learning is practical too. Across EYFS, role play and small-world play sit alongside cubes, counters and pictures used to record calculations. Children can handle quantities and represent their thinking visually, rather than working only with written numbers. The foundation-stage curriculum follows the Early Years Framework, with adaptations for the children attending.

The wider school environment includes a sensory space for children who need it. Level entry, ramps and wheelchair-accessible corridors support movement around the building; accessible toilets also serve as changing facilities. These are practical features for families considering how their child will use the school spaces.

For children joining with a disability or an identified additional need, the school contacts families early so that equipment or adaptations can be arranged beforehand wherever possible. That preparation may involve a home visit, contact with the previous setting or liaison with professionals. It gives families a way to discuss their child's needs before the start.

Concerns about special educational needs can be raised with the class teacher through Class Dojo or in person, with the SENDCo involved in the next steps. Where SEN support is agreed, a plan is developed with parents. Termly reviews then consider progress and the support to use next, giving families regular opportunities to contribute.

Support is tailored to need. Possible adaptations include pictures alongside words, sensory resources and teaching broken into smaller steps. Teaching assistants may work with children individually or in small groups where appropriate. Across the school, children who need a quieter place to eat can have lunchtime provision in a smaller space.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Nottinghamshire County Council. For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that cycle has already passed.

Transition support and admission are separate matters. For children with SEND, summer-term meetings pass information and support plans to the next teacher. Additional visits, transition books or social stories may be used where a child needs them. These arrangements prepare children for a change of class; they do not secure admission.

The nursery requests attendance from Monday to Friday. Families choose mornings, 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons, 12.15pm to 2.45pm; or full days, 8.45am to 2.45pm. An optional extension runs from 2.45pm to 3.15pm and carries an additional charge. The full-day option lets families finish before that charged extension.

Eligible families can use a 30-hour funded option, with the code taking effect from the term after the child turns three. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery applications go directly to the school office, which confirms allocation nearer the starting term. Enquiries can be made on 01909 491950 or at office@whipmanwoodsfha.co.uk.