Millfields First School Nursery Review

A dedicated outdoor area, access to Forest School and a secure garden for younger children give Millfields’ nursery provision a clear outdoor emphasis. Willow Pre-School occupies a room inside the school building, with the hall and playgrounds also available to its children. These are useful extensions to the classroom.

The governor-led provision includes Seedlings for children aged two and rising three, alongside the pre-school for children from three. Seedlings combines learning through play with access to school facilities, giving younger children their own space within the wider school setting.

At the Ofsted inspection on 16 and 17 April 2024, early years provision was graded Good within the school inspection. This was an early-years judgement, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Play and focused teaching share the day. Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with activities led by adults alongside opportunities to choose their own play and move between indoor and outdoor learning. That balance gives children both direction and room to pursue an idea.

The curriculum starts with movement, spoken language and learning to manage feelings and relationships. Stories, conversation and role play give children opportunities to explain themselves; physical games support balance, coordination and hand control. Literacy, mathematics, creative activities and exploration of the world build on those foundations. Early number work and an introduction to phonics are part of the pre-school curriculum, while visitors and trips extend experiences beyond familiar surroundings.

Outdoor provision has distinct spaces. Willow has its own outdoor area and can use the Forest School area, hall and playgrounds. Seedlings has a secure garden with free-flow outdoor play. For parents seeking opportunities to explore outside, these are concrete features of the provision.

In April 2024, adults in pre-school supported children’s language and communication through plentiful learning opportunities, helping them begin early education securely.

Seedlings children are supported by fully qualified staff. Across early years, the school aims to build relationships through getting to know children individually and working with parents. Learning records include books, display boards and portfolios on Class Dojo, giving families ways to see what children have been doing.

Food is part of Seedlings’ access to the wider school: hot lunches are available alongside use of the hall and playground. Children’s personal and social learning also includes healthy eating and developing independence in managing their own needs.

For children needing additional support, the school uses Wellcomm speech and language assessment when they begin in the EYFS, alongside an initial assessment and information from parents and previous settings. Support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle. Parents contribute to support decisions. Parents of children on the SEND register are invited to termly meetings to review their child’s provision, keeping support connected to family experience.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives greater priority. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Reception places are allocated under Worcestershire’s local authority admission arrangements. Choose the nursery for the experience it offers now.

Transition support is a separate matter. Foundation Stage arrangements include induction visits, meetings with parents and sharing nursery profiles and relevant SEND information. Additional transition opportunities and transition books can be used for children with SEND where needed, helping staff prepare for individual needs.

The fifteen-hour pre-school pattern runs from 8.40am to 11.40am, Monday to Friday. The thirty-hour arrangement combines Monday-to-Thursday mornings at those times with four afternoons as required. Additional sessions can be paid for. The school expects the first fifteen funded hours to be taken across five mornings and gives priority to children following that pattern, so confirm the booking arrangement before committing.

All three-year-olds have an entitlement to a maximum of fifteen funded hours weekly over a minimum of 38 weeks; thirty-hour funding depends on parental eligibility. Eligible Seedlings children can receive thirty-hour funding from the term after their second birthday. Seedlings also accepts private places and offers flexible hours aligned with the school day; wraparound care depends on demand.

Contact the school office on 01527 831885 or office@millfields.worcs.sch.uk for applications and current charges. Visits provide an opportunity to discuss the provision with the early years team. Pre-school drop-off and collection use the pre-school entrance.