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.
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.
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.
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.
