Welcome to Squirrels Nursery: 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.

Take a Video Tour of Squirrels Nursery Room: To get a closer look at our inspiring spaces, please explore our video tour that showcases the vibrant and engaging learning environment we offer. 

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.

Georgina Jackson 

I am Mrs Jackson, and I am the Head of EYFS and Nursery 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 foundation laid during this time influences 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 strive to 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. 

As both the class teacher and Head of EYFS at Nottingham High School, I am thrilled to play a part in shaping each child’s early educational experiences. I feel privileged to be a part of their journey at such a crucial time in their lives, knowing that the experiences they have here will shape their future learning. I’m deeply passionate about being Head of EYFS because I believe that the early years truly set the stage for everything that comes next in a child’s education. The skills and habits developed during these years - curiosity, problem-solving, social skills, resilience and confidence - serve as the foundation for all future learning. At Nottingham High School, I am proud to be part of a team that deeply values this special time of growth and understands how important it is to lay a strong foundation for every child’s future success. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 childcare scheme is available for children enrolled in the nursery for five days a week, offering significant savings. Similarly, a 15-hour 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.

How to Apply: 

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 the School 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.

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.

admissions@nottinghamhigh.co.uk

Please complete the application form here.