Moorland Nursery School

A converted Victorian chapel, a younger group called TC Tigers and access to the playing field next door give Moorland Nursery School a recognisable character. Trinity Court in Stockton Brook combines retained stained glass and decorative woodwork with rooms adapted for young children. The emphasis is on play, conversation and growing independence, with a separate introduction to nursery life for younger children.

At its November 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective, with children making good progress and receiving early help through work with parents and other professionals. Two practical improvements remained: giving children more demanding learning when tasks proved easy, and making snacks better balanced. Those points deserve attention alongside the positive judgement.

There is capacity for 44 children aged two to five. Full daycare sits alongside term-time preschool education, with funding used during academic terms. That distinction matters for families balancing early education with work: the nursery day and the funded timetable serve different purposes.

Rooms and Ages

TC Tigers introduces younger children to early education through play before they move into the older nursery group. Its base is the Rainbow Room, a separate area within Trinity Court, where the emphasis combines social confidence, imaginative activity and early language. Sand and water, books, songs and movement give children several ways to join in before they are ready for the older group's routine.

For older children, guided play provides the structure. The preschool group has a full-time teacher, and activities move between discussion, practical exploration and creative work. That offers a recognisable educational day while keeping learning connected to things children can handle, make and talk about.

The building contributes more than its chapel appearance. Child-sized toilets and doors with glass panels adapt it to nursery use; light rooms provide space for displaying children's artwork. Retained woodwork and stained glass give Trinity Court its character, while the adaptations address the everyday needs of young children.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, those requirements translate into play that develops language, physical skills, relationships and independence, alongside early understanding of number and the world. The framework is the baseline; the practical activities explain how the day takes shape.

Language work includes poems, stories and opportunities to retell familiar material. The Ginn 360 Reading Scheme is used for reading preparation and participation, alongside matching, letter sounds and recognising names. Modelling, threading beads and painting develop hand control before children progress to tracing or forming letters. The sequence matters: writing involves physical preparation as well as recognising a letter.

Mathematics also starts with objects and actions. Children sort materials, match items, compare shapes and explore measurement through practical activity. Music brings singing with piano accompaniment and opportunities to handle percussion instruments. These experiences connect listening and coordination with participation in a group, rather than making early learning a succession of paper exercises.

In November 2024, practical play combined early mathematics with physical development: construction and dough activities exercised hand control, while conversations during sand play introduced spatial ideas. Children chose some activities and joined others organised by adults. Some children needed greater challenge once they had mastered a task.

Outdoor and Community Life

Endon High School's adjoining playing field provides access to a larger outdoor space. Children also tend a garden near the nursery and explore plants through observation, giving nature study a practical setting. Open space and close examination of growing things offer different kinds of outdoor experience.

The local Well Dressing Festival connects learning about customs with the surrounding community. Concerts provide another shared activity: children are encouraged to participate in a Nativity Concert at Christmas and a Summer Concert shaped by their imaginative ideas, with relatives invited to attend. These are opportunities to contribute to something beyond an individual activity, through performance and shared preparation.

Relationships and Communication

Settling is tailored to the child. Introductory visits precede full attendance, with their number adjusted to individual needs and feedback shared with families throughout induction. That gives the transition a practical structure rather than assuming every child will be ready after the same introduction.

In November 2024, a key-person buddy arrangement provided continuity when a child's usual key person was away. Staff used conversations with parents to establish children's starting points, then observation to follow their development. Regular updates helped families continue supporting learning at home. Together, these arrangements connected the child's nursery experience with what parents knew about them.

For TC Tigers, preparation for the older group includes introductory visits and continuity of familiar adults and children. Staff also work with parents during potty training. Both arrangements address changes that can loom large for a young child: moving groups and becoming more independent in personal care.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

At the November 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that staff identified developmental gaps and worked effectively with families and other professionals so children could receive help early. This is a concrete account of support in practice, rather than a general promise that every need will be met in the same way.

Daily routines also build independence. In November 2024, younger children received help with handwashing while older children managed it themselves; staff supported sharing and taking turns through reminders and their own example. Story sessions included extra attention for younger children who became restless, helping them return to the activity.

Food needs a closer look. In November 2024, lunch came from an outside caterer, while staff supplied snacks that needed a healthier balance. Families affected by the snack finding should use it as a specific discussion point, rather than treating the overall grade as an answer to every aspect of care.

Sessions and Attendance

The address is Trinity Court, Leek Road, Stockton Brook, Stoke on Trent, ST9 9NH. Opening hours are 7.45am to 5.45pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays. Telephone enquiries can be made on 01782 504258.

Full daycare and teacher-led term-time preschool education serve different family routines. The nursery operates across 52 weeks of the year, with paid childcare during school vacations. Funded preschool education follows academic terms.

Funding and Paid Extras

Both private childcare and funded early education are offered. The 15 and 30 hour nursery education grant funding schemes operate during term time only; paid vacation childcare is separate. Families planning a year-round budget therefore need to distinguish the funded academic timetable from childcare during the holidays.

Current prices come in the nursery's written quotation.

• Challenge after an easy task. In November 2024, staff sometimes missed the next learning opportunity when children finished comfortably. On a visit, ask how activities are adapted for a child who is ready to go further.
• Snack balance. The November 2024 finding called for healthier, more balanced snacks. Ask to see the current snack choices, including how any dietary requirements are handled.
• Term-time funding and holiday care. Funded education follows academic terms, while vacation childcare is paid separately. Ask for a written quotation covering your intended attendance across both parts of the year, including meals and non-food consumables.

Moorland suits families seeking term-time preschool education or full-day childcare, with paid holiday care for those needing attendance beyond academic terms. TC Tigers and the Rainbow Room provide a separate introduction for younger children, while Trinity Court, the adjoining playing field and practical learning give the setting a clear identity.

The November 2024 judgement supports a positive assessment, with useful detail about continuity of care and early support. Challenge for children who finish easily and the balance of snacks remain the two questions to pursue. The strongest fit is a family comfortable with term-based educational attendance and a separate plan for paid holiday care.