SQUIRRELS NURSERY
NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL
OUR HISTORY
Nottingham High School has been educating the young people of Nottingham and its surrounding area since 1513. The school has educated Junior pupils since 1905 and Infant pupils since 2008, and in September 2025 we will welcome our first Nursery children (3-4 year olds) into Squirrels Nursery. Nottingham High School won co-educational ‘School of the Year’ in 2022 and is the East Midlands school of the decade, now educating the whole family from 3-18.
Our Nursery setting is the perfect start to your child’s educational journey here at Nottingham High School. Our dedicated staff set the foundations for their future in a supportive environment which not only challenges them academically but also nurtures and celebrates their individual interests and passions. We want every child in our care to develop a lifelong love of learning and flourish in a safe, secure and welcoming environment.
HEAD’S WELCOME
The Squirrels Nursery offers the perfect start to your child's educational journey. It is a place where we foster our core principles of: excellence, individuality, curiosity, respect and empathy. By cultivating kindness, compassion and understanding, we nurture each child in developing the social and emotional skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Every child in our care knows that they are valued, loved and supported in our positive, inclusive community.
We have created an environment that not only challenges children academically and supports them pastorally, but also celebrates their unique and individual talents and interests. We strive to promote a lifelong love of learning, alongside excellent standards in all areas, ensuring a holistic approach to each child’s growth and development.
I look forward to welcoming you to the nursery and sharing with you the wonderful experiences we offer the children each and every day.
Head of Infant and Junior School
WELCOME TO LOVELL HOUSE
A world of wonder, creativity, and discovery!
At Squirrels Nursery, we believe that the environment plays a crucial role in fostering young minds, igniting curiosity, and nurturing a lifelong love of learning. Our nursery is designed to offer children a dynamic and engaging space that sparks their imagination, encourages exploration, and supports their holistic development. From our thoughtfully curated indoor areas to our expansive outdoor learning zones, every corner is bursting with opportunities for play, discovery, and creativity.
The Nursery Room: A Haven of Learning and Exploration
The Squirrels Nursery room is thoughtfully crafted to inspire awe and wonder. A place where children feel safe, comfortable, and excited to learn. With bright, open spaces and natural light pouring through large windows, the room is warm and inviting. The environment is rich with resources, allowing children to explore, create, and learn independently while also engaging in group activities.
A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY
Our nursery offers many exciting and stimulating areas of learning, each carefully designed to engage children in different forms of play and development. These areas include:
ConstructionArea
Encourages problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork.
Arts&CreativityArea
Bursting with colour, this area fosters fine motor development, imaginative thinking, and self-expression.
The outdoor area is designed to promote physical activity and learning about the natural world Our secret garden mud kitchen and trim trail all provide exciting environments for physical and social development alongside imaginative play
Chefs in the kitchen, doctors in a clinic, or superheroes on a mission, this area helps develop social skills, empathy, and creative thinking.
Reading Garden
A cosy space cultivating a love of stories and books.
Writing
Area
Fostering early literacy skills, hand-eye coordination, and mark-making.
SmallWorldArea
Filled with miniature settings, this area stimulates imaginative play, fine motor skills, and cognitive development.
KEY STAFF
Georgina Jackson
As Head of EYFS and Squirrels teacher at Nottingham High School, I am deeply passionate about nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning from the very start of a child’s educational journey. With over ten years of experience in early childhood education, I have come to understand how crucial these early years are in shaping a child’s development. The foundations laid during this time influence not just academic achievement, but a child’s social and emotional growth as well. It’s a responsibility I take to heart, and one that I am truly honoured to have.
My degree in Primary Education, specialising within the Early Years, has provided me with a deep knowledge and understanding of how children grow and develop, but also how children learn so I can ensure that they thrive both academically and pastorally. I see my role as one of guidance, helping children navigate through their developmental stages, while providing them with rich, stimulating environments that invite exploration and creativity. I create a space where children can learn at their own pace, supported by a team that understands and values their unique learning journey. I believe that these early stages are more than just a start - they are where the building blocks for lifelong learning and development are laid.
Ashley Cochrane
I am Mrs Cochrane and I am the Teaching Assistant in Squirrels Nursery, bringing over 30 years of experience from Nursery to Year 6 as a qualified teacher. I am privileged to support and enhance the learning experiences of our youngest learners, working closely alongside Mrs Jackson and the rest of the EYFS team to ensure that each child’s individual needs are met.
I am passionate about nurturing every child’s social, emotional and cognitive development through providing guidance and inspiration to help children gain confidence in their own abilities. Furthermore, my practice is underpinned by the importance of treating each pupil as in individual, ensuring learning is personalised to their unique abilities and interests to give each individual the opportunity to shine. I thoroughly enjoy supporting the children in discovering their own talents and developing their character, self-belief and confidence. It is a joy to see how young children excel through positive interactions and engaging activities, and it is through this strong partnership with our nursery children, their families and our teaching team, that we create an environment where children truly thrive. Being part of the nursery team allows me to contribute to shaping their educational journey at an exciting and special time in their lives.
A TYPICAL DAY AT SQUIRRELS NURSERY
DROP-OFF FROM 07.30
PHONICS AND OUTDOOR EXPLORATION
MID MORNING SNACK
MATHS LUNCH
TOPIC LESSON
AFTERNOON SNACK
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
LIBRARY SESSION
SCHOOL DAY ENDS 15:45
PICK UP BY 18:00
BESPOKE CURRICULUM
Through a highly structured timetable, teaching our youngest learners many subjects such Phonics, Maths, Understanding the World and Expressive Art and Design, we can support the children’s cognitive development, problem solving skills, logical thinking, exploration skills, emotional development, self-confidence, resilience and curiosity; all fundamental skills for life-long learning, success and happiness. We create a safe and predictable environment where all children can thrive across all areas of learning. This approach fosters a sense of routine, security and accomplishment, which is essential for children’s growth and readiness for Reception.
What Makes the Squirrels Nursery Curriculum Special?
At Squirrels Nursery, our bespoke curriculum is designed to offer an ambitious, forward thinking and holistic approach to early years education, extending well beyond the requirements set out in the Early Years Statutory Framework. It is carefully crafted to support the growth of every child, offering them the tools they need for life-long learning, success, and happiness. We recognise that each child is on their own unique learning journey, and our curriculum is structured to ensure that all children, no matter where they start, can make consistent progress through small, manageable steps.
RECEPTION READY
We recognise that every child transitions to Reception in their own unique way, and we are here to support them in every step. Our approach is characterised by gentle, supportive transitions that help children feel secure and excited about the changes ahead. The experiences and routines in Nursery, alongside the opportunities to visit Reception and interact with new teachers, create a gradual and predictable transition that minimises potential worries and maximizes enthusiasm for the next chapter.
At Squirrels Nursery, we are more than just a stepping stone to Reception—we are a vital part of the Lovell House School family. Our curriculum is designed to build on the strengths and interests of each child, ensuring that they enter Reception with a love of learning, a strong academic foundation, and the personal, social and emotional skills needed for success. Through collaborative parent involvement. Squirrel events, and a gradual transition process, we make sure every child is fully equipped for the next exciting stage of their journey. With this thoughtful approach, we ensure that each child is not only ready for Reception but ready to excel.
CATERING
We offer our children a variety of meals and snacks that are carefully planned to ensure they are healthy and enjoyable. All food and snacks are included in the fees, so parents can rest assured that their child will be well-fed throughout the day. We cater to a wide range of dietary needs, ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals tailored to their individual requirements. In addition to main meals, we provide plenty of healthy snacks during the day to keep energy levels high and support the children’s busy learning and play. The children enjoy mealtimes in a relaxed and social atmosphere with the Reception Class, helping to develop positive eating habits, independence, and excellent table manners.
UNIFORM
At Squirrels Nursery, we take great pride in our thoughtfully designed uniform, which blends comfort, practicality, and a sense of community.
All items can be conveniently purchased from Schoolwear Solutions.
A SUCCESSFUL START
At Squirrels Nursery, we understand that starting nursery is a big step for both children and their families, and we are committed to making this transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible. To ensure that children are fully prepared and excited to join us, we offer a range of activities and events designed to help them feel comfortable and familiar with their new environment.
One of our highlights is the Teddy Bears’ Picnic, which takes place in the Summer Term for all new September starters. This fun, informal event provides an opportunity for children to meet their future classmates and teachers while enjoying a relaxed picnic with their favourite teddy bears. It’s a wonderful way for children and their parents to begin building connections and feel part of the Squirrels Nursery family.
We also hold Open Days and Taster Sessions, where families can explore the nursery, meet the team, and ask any questions about the curriculum and daily routines.
Furthermore, for a personal introduction, we carry out home visits, where our staff come to visit children in the comfort of their own homes, helping them feel at ease before their first day. Additionally, Nursery visits are planned to enable our nursery team to spend some time with children in their own nursery, supporting the development of strong, trusting relationships.
Our ‘Stay and Play’ sessions provide a relaxed opportunity for both children and parents to spend time in the nursery together, ensuring that everyone feels confident and ready for the start of their journey with us.
FEES
We aim to foster transparency from the very beginning, creating a simple, all-in-one payment structure for your convenience.
Daily fee of £80 inclusive of 7.30am-6.00pm, all meals and snacks.
Invoices for nursery services are issued termly, providing families with a clear schedule in advance. The full payment is expected by the first day of each term. While nursery billing occurs on a termly basis, families with children in Reception and beyond have the flexibility of a monthly payment option through a third party fees plan.
For parents seeking financial support, the 30-hour tax-free childcare scheme is available for children enrolled in the nursery for five days a week, offering significant savings. Similarly, a 15-hour tax-free childcare option is accessible for children attending four days per week. Our hourly rate is £8.50, for those utilising free hours.
As a standard practice across Nottingham High School, we ask for a full term's notice should parents decide to withdraw their child from the nursery or make any changes to their child's attendance days. This notice period allows us to effectively manage our resources and ensure a smooth transition for all students.
NEXT STEPS
How to Apply
The application process for Squirrels Nursery is simple and straightforward. To start, you’ll need to complete our Registration Form, which is available on our website or through our admissions team. Along with the completed form, we ask for a registration fee of £60. This secures your child’s place in our admissions process and allows us to start preparing for their arrival.
Once your application is received, we will invite you and your child to attend an Admissions ‘Stay and Play’ visit. This is a chance for your family to get to know our nursery and for us to get to know your child. During this visit, our team will observe your child's communication and social skills, alongside their readiness to learn. This helps us understand how we can best support their future development.
Deposit and Fees:
Once your child’s place is confirmed, we ask for a £800 deposit, which secures their place at Squirrels Nursery. This deposit is refundable at the end of your child’s time with us at Nottingham High School, provided there are no outstanding fees. Please note, the deposit is separate from the registration fee.
Please do not hesitate to contact our admissions team for more information.
