Stoke Park Primary School Nursery Review

Child-led play, an on-site Forest school and the freedom to move between indoor and outdoor spaces give Stoke Park’s nursery its character. This is the school’s own nursery class for children aged 3 to 4, with Nursery and Reception staff working together within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) team.

Language is a clear focus. At the inspection on 3 and 4 October 2023, Ofsted graded early years provision Good and highlighted the emphasis on communication from Nursery onwards. Stories and listening activities give children ways to practise speaking and recognising sounds before formal reading begins.

Play sets the pace, with brief group teaching woven into learning that follows children’s interests. The EYFS takes practical shape here through conversation, early number work, physical activity and growing independence. Planning can change as children’s interests develop, rather than keeping everyone on a fixed sequence of activities.

In the example morning routine, carpet time brings a greeting song, weather discussion and a count of children and adults. A visual timetable explains what comes next. A short literacy or topic activity then gives way to children choosing where and how to play. They can move between the nursery’s indoor space, outdoors and the Reception classroom, meeting other children and adults along the way. Staff observe their play and use what they notice to plan the next learning steps.

Funky fingers gives small hands purposeful practice: dough play, cutting and threading build strength for writing. After lunch, the larger playground adds a climbing frame and outdoor equipment for bigger movements. An afternoon might include Phase 1 of Letters and Sounds or maths, followed by more self-chosen play. Forest school can bring tree climbing and searches for mini-beasts on the school site. Hatching butterflies is another experience children have had. Stories and singing round off the example day.

The soft start lets parents stay for some play while their child settles into an activity. It also creates time to speak with the class teacher. Children practise managing their own belongings, including putting bags and coats on their pegs: independence begins with small, repeatable tasks.

Snack and lunch continue that approach. Children wash their hands, choose a snack and practise opening fruit and drinks. At lunch, they work on feeding themselves, opening packets and handling cutlery. These are learning opportunities as well as care routines.

Tapestry connects home and nursery through written observations, usually accompanied by photographs, and lets families contribute learning from home. For additional needs, the school’s SENCO works with teachers and teaching assistants; support is discussed with parents and reviewed through regular meetings. In October 2023, children in early years were following the routines and behavioural expectations adults taught them, giving the day a predictable structure.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place at Stoke Park. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home local authority, using the Common Application Form. Nursery attendance and school admission are separate decisions.

Everyday familiarity is a different matter. Nursery children can use the Reception classroom during their play, and the two staff teams work closely together. That gives children experience of the space and adults before the next stage. Some children continue at Stoke Park; others move to different schools.

The example day begins with the soft start at 8.45am and finishes with collection at 3.00pm. Treat that outline as a picture of the daily rhythm, rather than a fixed timetable: activities respond to children’s interests.

Nursery visits can be arranged through the main school office. Contact contactus@stokeparkprimary.org or telephone 0117 377 2840 to make an appointment. The nursery is at Stoke Park Primary School, Brangwyn Grove, Lockleaze, Bristol, BS7 9BY.