John Wilkinson Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Forest School sessions, listening games and learning shaped by children’s interests give John Wilkinson’s nursery its character. This is the nursery within John Wilkinson Primary School and Nursery on Coalport Road in Broseley, with school grounds available for outdoor exploration. Learning extends beyond the room.

The nursery aims to help children make sense of their surroundings through knowledge, practical exploration and play. Its staffing structure includes a nursery manager, a deputy manager and nursery assistants, giving the provision its own team within the wider school.

Children take part in activities guided by adults as well as learning they initiate themselves. Indoor exploration sits alongside outdoor opportunities and Forest School sessions. That combination gives children different ways to investigate ideas through play, rather than keeping learning at a table.

Planning changes its focus each half term in response to children’s interests. The Nursery Cornerstones Programme contributes ideas to the curriculum, while visits, visiting guests and experiences beyond nursery extend the subjects children encounter. The nursery aims to use these experiences to encourage enjoyment and an interest in learning.

The Early Years Foundation Stage brings together physical development, language and relationships with early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. In parent terms, learning to communicate and manage feelings belongs alongside exploring numbers and books. Play, active involvement and thinking through ideas guide the planning.

Little Wandle Foundations for Phonics starts in nursery through listening activities and games. The emphasis is on developing speaking and listening skills, giving early reading preparation a practical form that young children can join in with.

The school’s Belonging Framework connects learning and attendance with behaviour, wellbeing and safety. The school treats behaviour as communication and aims to work with families to recognise when a child needs help. For parents, this gives conversations about difficulties a broader focus than behaviour alone.

Across the school, Early Help support covers sensory and physical needs, anxiety, wellbeing and behavioural difficulties. Families can also be referred for help with parenting, housing or emotional wellbeing. A SEND coordinator forms part of the school team; the office can direct enquiries to the appropriate member of staff.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer priority under the 2026/2027 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate Reception application. Choosing the nursery and securing a school place are separate decisions.

For the 2026/2027 entry cycle, applications were required through Shropshire Council’s online portal by 15 January in the preceding academic year. The nursery’s learning is designed to connect with the next stage of early education, but that curriculum continuity creates no admissions entitlement.

Funded childcare hours are available subject to eligibility, with charges applying to hours beyond the funded allocation. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery enquiries can go to the office on 01952 882950 or admin@jwp.318education.co.uk. School viewings can also be arranged through the office. For school news and calendar events, families can use the School News app, selecting the school by its postcode, TF12 5AN.