St Mark's CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Caterpillars gives the nursery at St Mark's its own identity within the school's early years provision. The class has a teacher, a higher level teaching assistant and a teaching assistant: a team combining teaching and classroom support roles. Based on High Street in Pensnett, it belongs to a Church of England primary school.

Language and familiar routines are defining features of the early years experience. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 27 and 28 September 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Purposeful play is part of the EYFS approach here, with curiosity its stated aim. For parents, that means play has a learning purpose, rather than simply filling a session. Language development was a central focus in September 2022, making communication an important part of the nursery's educational character.

For a child starting nursery, knowing what happens next matters. The September 2022 inspection provides dated reassurance for families considering a first experience of education: children had quickly become familiar with session routines. This makes settling a useful topic to discuss with the nursery team before your child starts.

Nursery learning overviews give families an outline of the term's learning, creating a connection between classroom plans and home. The Christian setting also has a practical early years connection: staff from St Mark's Church visit to meet children and families, with early years receiving particular attention.

St Mark's Playgroup brings prospective parents and their children together with early years staff for play, followed by nursery rhymes. It offers a way to meet the team through a shared activity. In September 2022, a workshop also brought parents, babies and pre-school children together to learn through play.

Communication continues through ClassDojo, where families receive newsletters and letters. For additional needs, the school's approach includes reviewing progress, discussing support and planning targeted interventions. With parental involvement and agreement, specialist services can contribute, including Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy. This gives families a route from classroom support to specialist advice.

The Safari Room provides a physical base for the school's wellbeing work. Parents can access Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme) training through this provision. Food support includes the school's Greggs Foundation partnership: kitchen staff prepare toast for classrooms, and children have the opportunity to take a slice at the start of the day.

A separate application. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place at St Mark's. Families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline. Choosing Caterpillars should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself, with the later application treated as a separate responsibility.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01384 818935 or email info@st-marks.dudley.sch.uk. Its enquiry hours run from 8.30am to 3.45pm, Monday to Friday during term time. These are office hours, rather than nursery session times.

School tours can be arranged through the office. They provide an opportunity to meet team members and discuss the school's approach before making a choice.