Cotmanhay Infant and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 March 2026

The school is a happy and safe place to learn. Pupils behave well and have positive attitudes to learning. They enjoy school, achieve well and thrive because they are well cared for. Highly positive relationships underpin all aspects of school life. Skilled and experienced staff provide effective teaching. Pupils, parents and carers agree that there are no concerns about bullying. The school has a longstanding reputation in the community for providing high-quality care and education for the children of Cotmanhay. The school's support for families who face significant challenges is valued by the community. Children in the Nursery and Reception classes make a positive start to their education. There is a sharp focus on children gaining good learning habits from the earliest age, sometimes as young as 2 years old. Pupils go on to develop secure knowledge and skills in reading, writing and mathematics. A very high proportion of pupils at the school are disadvantaged or experience various barriers to learning. These pupils receive close support to achieve well from their starting points. The school quickly identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities so that they can access the curriculum. Pupils in the 'Busy Bees' nurture provision benefit from a bespoke approach to learning. This enables them to gradually reintegrate into their classes when the time is right. Pupils enjoy a range of opportunities to develop their wider personal development, such as through outdoor activities, clubs and visits. Pupils talked enthusiastically about a visit to Nottingham Castle and their enjoyment of a visit from an author. Attendance is improving, due to the success of leaders' work with parents. Consequently, pupils are well prepared for their transfer to the junior school at the end of Year 2.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that pupils' foundational knowledge and skills in writing are of an equal standard to those already achieved in reading and mathematics, and that pupils begin to apply these skills successfully across the wider curriculum.
• Leaders should ensure that pupils develop an age-appropriate secure understanding of fundamental British values and cultural diversity in modern Britain.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)