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Nursery at St John's Mead Church of England Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodland dens, wet-weather walks and learning shaped by children's interests give St John's Mead nursery its character. Children can use the school's garden, pond, woodland and hall, so their learning extends beyond the nursery room.
This is the nursery class within St John's Mead Church of England Primary School in Chipping Sodbury, taking children from age three. Qualified teachers work alongside nursery support staff. The class is called Stars: a school-based starting point with its own approach to the early years.
In the Moment Planning starts with what catches a child's attention. Adults develop that interest through conversation and activities, then record the interaction and learning afterwards. Rather than following fixed topics, planning responds to observations; seasonal celebrations include Christmas and Easter. This gives children's own questions a role in deciding what happens next.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical skills and emotional development with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Play connects these areas. One illustrative activity uses boxes for making boats, postcards for early writing and shells for counting or comparing weight. Resources can be chosen independently outdoors and indoors, giving children opportunities to make decisions as they learn.
Outside, ball activities practise coordination and turn-taking, while mark-making takes writing beyond the classroom. Wellies are supplied for wet-weather walks, with hide-and-seek and den construction in the woods. The school grounds provide concrete opportunities for movement and exploration.
Early reading preparation includes Read, Write, Inc displays and listening activities involving poems, rhymes and stories. In December 2022, Ofsted identified an emphasis on number within the early years and recognised that the nursery curriculum supported preparation for Reception. These are early-years findings within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Parents contribute directly to learning records. During a child's focus week, families share interests from home, significant events and concerns on a sheet; teachers then meet them the following week to discuss the child's learning journey. Observations are also open to parental comments throughout the year. That creates a specific opportunity to connect home experiences with nursery learning. Parents can also read their child's Learning Diary and contribute records of learning at home.
Children staying over lunch bring their own drink and packed meal. Fruit and milk are supplied daily to nursery children free of charge. Families also provide care consumables, including sun cream and nappies.
For additional needs, the school's support arrangements include a Special Needs Co-ordinator, early identification through monitoring and access to local authority specialists. Parents participate throughout that process. Prescribed medicine requires a permission form, with paper copies obtainable from the office.
Separate applications. A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process and meet its deadline. The school's admissions page directs families to South Gloucestershire Council.
Learning links are a separate matter. Nursery and Reception have close connections, and joint project work is included in the summer programme. This provides a shared learning experience; it does not secure admission.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run from noon to 3pm. A full day runs from 8:45am to 3pm, subject to funded hours. The nursery lists funded provision of 15 or 30 hours each week. Its session guidance places the start of the 15-hour entitlement in the term following the third birthday; paid attendance can begin at three.
Additional sessions can be purchased, and funded sessions can be shared with another setting. Contact the school for current charges. The Den operates independently from the nursery building and resource centre, providing childcare before and after school for nursery pupils, plus holiday and inset-day care.
For joining forms and a welcome pack, call the school office on 01454 866501. Nursery enquiries and visits can be arranged on 01454 866504.
Paid sessions can begin when a child turns three. The nursery's guidance starts the 15-hour funded entitlement in the term after their third birthday.
Morning sessions are 8:45am to 11:45am, afternoons are noon to 3pm, and full days are 8:45am to 3pm, subject to funded hours.
Yes, children staying for lunch need a packed lunch and drink. Nursery children receive fruit and milk daily free of charge.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal school admissions process. The school's admissions page links to South Gloucestershire Council.
Call the nursery on 01454 866504 to arrange a visit. For a welcome pack and joining forms, contact the school office on 01454 866501.
