St Augustine's CofE Academy Nursery Review

Books, nursery rhymes and learning how to be a friend give St Augustine's nursery its clearest character. This is the nursery within the Church of England academy in Draycott-in-the-Clay, with entry from the term following a child's third birthday. It introduces children to school routines while giving independence and relationships their own place in learning.

At the Ofsted inspection on 23 and 24 April 2024, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the starting point for the curriculum. Here, its practical meaning includes becoming more independent, understanding routines and forming friendships: learning that helps children take part in a group as well as develop their knowledge. In April 2024, these habits were being taught from Nursery onwards.

Stories have a deliberate place in that learning. In April 2024, books and rhymes were selected with children in Nursery in mind, giving the youngest children an introduction to the school's reading culture. The emphasis is on familiarity with stories and language.

Themes give early years learning a recognisable focus. The Year B programme includes Who Am I?, On our travels and Pirates Ahoy!, moving between children's own identity and subjects beyond their immediate experience. A past EYFS activity with Hoglets and the British Wildlife Rescue Centre combined a story about hibernation with making clay hedgehogs, using sticks for their features. It is a concrete example of stories leading into making and exploring.

Curriculum sequencing. In April 2024, some subjects needed a clearer sequence of knowledge, with the improvement action explicitly extending to Nursery. Families should weigh that concern alongside the Good early years judgement.

Support for additional needs sits within the school's SEND arrangements. The special educational needs coordinator works with families, staff and outside agencies across communication, learning, emotional and social needs, and physical or sensory needs. For parents, this provides a route for discussing barriers to participation rather than treating every difficulty alike.

Teachers and teaching assistants provide additional interventions. The school also makes time to discuss a child's development with parents by mutual arrangement, giving families an opportunity to bring concerns into that conversation.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Staffordshire County Council's online admissions route and meet the normal deadline for their child's intake.

For 2025/2026, nursery attendance was not a Reception priority criterion. A proposal for 2027/2028 would add priority for nursery attendees receiving Early Years Pupil Premium Funding; that is a proposed, conditional change. It should not be treated as an entitlement for every nursery child.

A July move-up day gives nursery children a taste of Reception. This is preparation for the next classroom, separate from the allocation of places.

Funding options include 15 hours and 30-hour places during term time. Extra sessions beyond funded hours are charged, with bookings handled through Parent Pay. Flexible wraparound care provides another option around nursery attendance; contact the school for current charges.

Email office@st-augustines.staffs.sch.uk for nursery application and booking forms, or telephone 01283 820365. School tours can be arranged through the office by appointment, allowing families to discuss the provision before applying.