Tudor Grange Primary Academy, Haselor Nursery Review

Thirty minutes of daily phonics and six weeks of Muddy Mondays each year give Haselor’s nursery a distinctive mix of language learning and outdoor activity. This is the school’s own provision for children from age 3, with the Foundation Stage distinguishing Pre-School at age 3 and Nursery at age 4. Care runs on weekdays during term time.

In November 2025, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Language runs through the learning here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven connected areas: communication, physical skills and emotional and social development form the foundations, alongside literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. Haselor puts vocabulary development across these areas, so learning new words extends beyond a discrete language lesson.

Little Wandle provides the phonics approach. Nursery children spend 30 minutes a day on phonics, with poems, stories, action rhymes and listening activities that include oral blending, or hearing separate sounds and joining them into a word. Children’s own choices sit alongside activities led by adults. The emphasis is preparation for the next stage of reading, with listening and spoken language doing much of the work.

Outside, growing beds give children opportunities to tend fruit and vegetables, with produce used for cooking or taken home. Muddy Mondays includes Nursery children for six weeks each year; sessions respond to the group and follow a theme. These experiences add practical exploration to the day.

Adult interaction. In November 2025, staff generally supported speech and introduced new vocabulary, but differences in expertise meant conversations did not consistently extend children’s understanding. Improving those exchanges was an early years improvement priority, a material consideration for families attracted by the language emphasis.

Predictable routines help children find their feet. In November 2025, Nursery children settled rapidly, and adults’ knowledge of children and relationships with families helped them feel comfortable and secure. Staff were accessible each morning for conversations about progress and wellbeing. That gives parents a regular opportunity to share something affecting their child’s day.

An EYFS lead, a teacher providing planning, preparation and assessment cover, and teaching assistants form the nursery team. For additional needs, the school uses a repeated cycle of assessing, planning, putting support into practice and reviewing it, with families and external professionals involved. Within early years, learning is adapted according to children’s needs.

Food gives families a choice. Children can have a school dinner or bring a nutritious packed lunch from home. Fruit, cereal and vegetable snacks carry no charge, and milk is free for children under 5. Dinners are booked through My Child at School, so meal arrangements can be managed separately from sessions.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Treat that application as a separate decision alongside choosing nursery sessions; familiarity with the school does not secure admission.

Morning sessions run from 8:40am to noon, afternoons from noon to 3:15pm, and the day option spans 8:40am to 3:15pm. Morning wraparound runs from 7:30am to 8:40am, with afternoon care from 3:15pm to 5:30pm. Wraparound needs advance booking through Childcare Bookings For Schools.

Most children aged 3 or over qualify for 15 funded hours from the term following their third birthday; eligible families may receive another 15, making 30 weekly. Funding can be used for nursery sessions. Families using the 30-hour entitlement must supply their eligibility code and the additional details needed for confirmation. Lunches and wraparound are charged separately, as are extra hours beyond entitlement. Contact the School Office for current charges.

Nursery uniform includes a yellow polo, blue sweatshirt, grey bottoms and black shoes, plus a school book bag. Logos are optional, but designated colours apply. For enquiries, use office@haselor.tgacademy.org.uk or call 01789 488211.