What our 2022-2023 parents think ...

“I currently have two children at Hucknall National Primary school and I couldn't praise the school enough.  As a Primary school teacher myself, I found it quite tricky when going to view different schools but National Primary just felt different. I had a walk around with Miss Barratt and I felt completely at ease. All of the staff are so approachable and friendly and  cannot do enough with every query I've approached them with. "

"My son is in year one and my daughter is in Foundation stage and I recommend that everyone comes to view the learning environment. It's so inviting, welcoming and truly inspires little minds. I love the continuous provision that is still available to the children as they move into Year one and it's really eased my sons transition from Foundation stage to Year one. Likewise, the curiosity approach in Foundation Stage is just amazing. The classroom is like a home from home and my daughter is excited to tell me all about what she has been exploring during the day."

"My daughter can be quite timid and tearful but her lovely Foundation stage teachers/team have just made her settle into school life so quickly. She would often still get a little tearful when at nursery and I was concerned she wouldn't get the same love and care when she got into school but I couldn't have been more wrong. The staff are so nurturing and I feel like she's really cared for on an emotional level when she's at school. I also feel the staggered transition when starting school in September helped too. I know some parents found it a little tricky to negotiate childcare for the first two weeks but I feel it really helped my daughter settle quicker into school life. It meant she was able to build really strong connections with the adults and children in her class in small groups before the hustle and bustle of full time education. "

"Class dojo has also been a real comfort to me because my daughters teachers share so many videos and pictures of their learning throughout the week and it's lovely to see her happy, smiling self playing with her friends. The communication and reminders sent from Mrs Jacklin is ideal for a busy parent like me who can often be a little forgetful!"

"I've also had to use wrap around care for my son and National Primary has a lovely breakfast club and as he has entered Year one there are lots of opportunities for the children to go to lovely clubs like athletics or dance. My son is also currently a member of 'National Parliament' and loves getting involved with 'organising' special events in school."

"Overall, I'm really pleased with my decision to send my children to Hucknall National CofE Primary because I feel my children would not have settled so easily and happily if it wasn't for such a lovely teaching team around them and such a nurturing and stimulating environment!”

“ We've been massively impressed with the school, teachers, support and communication since day 1. It's not an easy choice deciding where to send your child for the next however many years, entrusting someone else to nurture and grow your child. I honestly believe every teacher, TA and even the head truly care for every child. My daughter comes home every day telling me the fun things she's done, I can visible see how much she's learning and that just blows my mind. I feel happy and comfortable to ask anything I need too. I only have the one child and have never been through this process. A LOT has changed since I went to school and seeing my child go through this journey at National Primary makes me happy we chose this school. What sold it to us was the visit in advance to making our choices. Yes the building is older than others in the area, but when we walked around the school the head teacher knew the name and interacted on a personal level with every child that passed us on our tour. I knew my daughter would love it here. And I was right!”

“I couldn’t be happier with Hucknall National, Mrs Jacklin and her incredible team have done an amazing job settling the children in to their new school journey. They are caring, loving everything you expect and more from your children’s teachers. They have provided a wonderful learning environment for the children. My daughter walks into school smiling and leaves smiling too. Thank you for everything!!”

“I made the best decision on choosing this school, it’s a very positive environment. The school curriculum is great, the teachers are understanding, kind, empathetic and very patient. CHILD loves going to school, so thank you for giving us the best experience”

“The school, all you teachers, Miss Barratt and Jane brown (who was a great support to me when my daughter struggled last year) even down to the office staff who get forgot, they are superb. People couldn’t select a better school.”

“I am absolutely thrilled with our experience of your school. I am so happy it’s you guys that are the ones guiding my little boy into his first years of education and would thoroughly recommend the school. Thank you so much xx”

“I am truly amazed at the effort the staff members in EYFS put in. The environment and resources are brilliant, there is so many ways for the children to learn. I love that the children are encouraged to enjoy their time at school, to get outside and get stuck into different activities. I find the updates and pictures on the app of what the children are doing a lovely way to keep in touch with the school and my child’s learning”

“It really does come through how much effort is put in; CHILD is loving it. I’ve been so impressed :)”

“Our son started reception in September 2022, and it’s fair to say our expectations have all been exceeded so far. We were delighted with the various activities that took place during the summer holidays before school started. From picnics in the park, to spending a day at soft play with teachers and classmates, to settling in sessions. All of it was fantastic and much more than other school in the area offers. We found the staggered start dates hard to manage due to both parents working full time, however we fully understood it was for the comfort of the children and as a parent you do anything to see your child happy and comfortable. We believe this really impacted how happy our son was when it came to starting full time because he was already settled in the environment, he had made some little friends, and he knew all of the teachers he’d be placed with. The teachers and staff are outstanding and we have been shocked at the amount of time and dedication they have shown, including working through their own lunch breaks and after school, to ensure parents have updates on the kids."

"The setting is beautiful and there are countless activities so there is something for every child’s interests and they never get bored. We are so thrilled with our choice of school and we have recommended it to all our friends with young children. Our son skips into school so happy and comes out absolutely exhausted and filthy and that’s a sign he’s had the best day ever, painting, mud kitchens, climbing in the trees… what an adventure!"

“We have been very happy with our daughter starting at National Primary this year. Lots of fun, varied and outdoor play-led learning as well as time spent with parents to talk through phonics and ways of teaching which means a lot when it is all so new. Such a lovely, thoughtful team in EYFS putting our children first and ensuring they are excited to go back every day!”