Join us at our Retford nursery, where we turn play into learning magic.

Bracken Lane Primary Academy nursery is more than just childcare – it’s a nurturing and stimulating environment where children aged three and up can play, learn, and grow with us. We pride ourselves on being a supportive community where every child and parent feels valued and connected. Our nursery is led by a team of highly qualified teachers and support staff who are dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Why choose Bracken Lane nursery?

Consistent support

When joining our nursery every child is assigned a key worker as part of a ‘family group,’ either as a Busy Bee or a Fantastic Frog, ensuring they have consistent support for their emotional and social development.

Dedicated indoor and outdoor spaces

We have a dedicated indoor space where children can explore water and sand play, construction areas, and imaginative play zones, encouraging creativity and collaboration while benefiting from smaller key worker learning sessions.

Our outdoor area encourages active exploration including a climbing frame, bike track, mud kitchen, construction zone, and a tranquil nature area.

Teacher-led curriculum

Our curriculum follows the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework inspiring creativity, independence, and curiosity. This ensures that each child develops essential skills and knowledge through structured play and tailored learning experiences.

We take a holistic approach to child development with personal social and emotional development (PSED) at the forefront of our daily activities. We ensure children are settled and confident in their surroundings with a strong focus on developing communication and language skills.

Nursery children take part in a series of forest school sessions where they can connect with nature through activities such as den building, bush craft, mini beast hunts and making bug houses.

Being part of the school community

Our nursery children benefit from being part of the wider school experience, joining assemblies and other school events as appropriate. This helps them transition confidently to full time school, supported by close connections with reception classes.

Parents as partners

We believe a strong partnership between school and home is key to success. Our parents as partners approach supports a smooth transition into nursery, giving families opportunities to meet staff, learn about the curriculum and join in activities with their child.

Sessions and extended hours

We understand the needs of busy families. Bracken Lane offers flexible nursery sessions, including:

  • Morning session, 8.45 – 11.45am
  • Afternoon session, 12.30 – 3.30pm
  • Full-day session, 8.45am – 3.30pm

For added convenience, breakfast and after-school clubs are available from 7.30am to 5.30pm.

30 hours free childcare

We offer 30 hours of free childcare for eligible three and four-year-olds.

Free fruit and milk for children under five

Each child that registers with Cool Milk will receive a portion of semi-skimmed milk every day. Find out more and how to register on our parents pages.

Come see for yourself! Book a visit

Visit us and meet our friendly staff. Contact the academy directly to make an appointment with a member of our team or book a place on one of our discovery days.

T: 01777 705017 E: office@brackenlaneprimary-ac.org.uk

Apply online

If you would like to register your child for a place at our nursery following their third birthday, complete our registration form below and a member of our team will be in touch.

Where to find us

Our nursery is located in our specialist early years space within Bracken Lane Primary Academy, in Retford, Nottinghamshire.