Fulfen Primary School Pre-School Review

Teacher-led mornings and play that follows children's interests give Fulfen's Pre-School its character. This is the nursery provision within Fulfen Primary School in Burntwood, welcoming children aged three. There are 52 morning places, with up to 42 afternoon wrap-around places for children who also attend the morning session. The distinction matters: afternoon care is an extension of the morning provision.

At the Ofsted inspection on 21 and 22 November 2023, the school's early years provision was judged Outstanding. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play connects the classroom with outdoor learning spaces. Children explore, practise talking with others and learn to negotiate through their activities. Fulfen combines activities directed by adults with those children choose themselves, so the day makes room for both guidance and independent exploration.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach brings learning together with physical, emotional and social development. Children's interests help shape the activities, while purposeful play and direct experiences give them opportunities to investigate. Fulfen aims to build independence and encourage children to attempt new challenges. For parents, this means a nursery approach organised around how young children learn, with curiosity given space alongside adult support.

In November 2023, early years children developed sustained attention and constructive learning habits, with adults supporting their curiosity. Books, songs and rhymes were part of that experience. Resources were arranged with clear purposes, connecting the learning environment to the activities taking place within it.

Parents are encouraged to discuss disability-related adjustments before their child starts, allowing the team and family to plan together. Fulfen makes reasonable adjustments for children with disabilities; this gives families a practical opportunity to explain their child's needs before admission.

Lunchtime runs from 11:30am to 12:15pm, between the morning learning session and afternoon wrap-around. For a child staying through the day, lunch therefore has a distinct place in the routine.

Attending Fulfen's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application to Staffordshire County Council through the normal Reception admissions process. The local authority allocates those places, so choosing Pre-School and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

For September 2026 entry, the Reception application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is past. Families planning a later start need to follow the deadline for their child's own entry year, rather than treating nursery enrolment as their school application.

Mornings run from 8:30am to 11:30am, and children are expected to attend at least five morning sessions each week. This creates a regular weekly pattern and is a significant consideration for families seeking occasional sessions. Afternoon wrap-around runs from 12:15pm to 3:15pm, following lunchtime.

Eligible children can take 15-hour or 30-hour funded places. Paid additional sessions include care before and after school; contact the school for current charges. Session changes during the year go to nursery@fulfen.staffs.sch.uk.

Prospective Pre-School families can attend regular open mornings to meet the team and explore the setting. For enquiries, email office@fulfen.staffs.sch.uk or call 01543 226070. The school is on Rugeley Road, Burntwood, WS7 9BJ.