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Nursery at Ridgeway Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Three different patterns shape early childhood at Ridgeway: Rainbow Tots for two-year-olds, Sunbeams for children aged three to four, and Sunny Days for six weeks to five years. The distinction matters. Rainbow Tots and Sunbeams run in school term time; Sunny Days provides longer days across 51 weeks, with a Christmas-to-New-Year closure and bank and public holidays excluded.
This provision sits within Ridgeway Primary Academy in Burntwood. Sunbeams has class teachers and key workers, while Sunny Days has baby-room and preschool leadership alongside its key-worker team. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 3 and 4 December 2024; that judgement covers early years within the school.
Books give the learning a starting point. Half-term themes include a different book each week, with vocabulary development woven into play and activities guided by adults. Ridgeway uses Development Matters alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent terms, this combines learning to communicate, move and manage relationships with early reading, maths, creative work and discovering how the world works.
The day changes with age. Sunny Days’ babies have activity rooms, a changing area and cots. For children aged two to three, construction and imaginative play sit alongside painting, crafts and activities at tables, with experiences outdoors as well as inside. Preschool introduces more structure while retaining children’s choices: songs, storytelling, messy activities and outdoor play remain part of the routine. Younger children explore paint through their senses and marks, progressing towards marks with more meaning and using different materials.
Optional extras at Rainbow Tots and Sunbeams include cooking, baking and weekly Soccatots delivered by Progressive Sports. A summer-term Balanceability course lasts 10 weeks. These add movement and practical experiences, but families can decline the extras and their associated charge.
In December 2024, early-years children were curious and sociable, and teaching led by adults supported language development, including through making party invitations. Activities children pursued independently were less consistently matched to their existing knowledge and next steps. Independent learning. Some tasks needed a clearer learning purpose, so this remains a useful focus when considering the balance between free choice and adult guidance.
Every EYFS child has a key worker. Before a baby starts at Sunny Days, staff discuss their needs and usual routines with the family. Cots support babies’ sleep, and beds are provided for naps in the two-to-three group. Personal care in early years forms part of routine support, with records kept through the Tapestry care diary.
Settling can be adapted to the child. Visits take place before starting; settling sessions may be offered, and home visits are possible where appropriate in EYFS. Children with additional needs can have an individual transition plan, potentially including a staggered start or extra visits. Both Sunbeams and Sunny Days have sensory spaces, giving children another place to play when needed.
SEND support follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review: needs are assessed, targets and interventions agreed, support delivered and progress reviewed. Parents receive copies of termly-reviewed individual education plan targets. For meals, Rainbow Tots and Sunbeams offer a bookable school lunch or the option of bringing a packed lunch. Sunny Days includes meals according to the session booked.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admission priority. Families must make a separate Reception application through Staffordshire County Council’s normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their entry year. The 2027–2028 criteria prioritise children in care or previously in care, siblings and qualifying staff children, followed by proximity; nursery attendance is not a criterion. Treat childcare and the Reception application as separate decisions.
Rainbow Tots offers mornings from 9am to noon, afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm and full days from 9am to 3pm. Sunbeams’ universal funded sessions run from 9am to noon, with extended funded days from 9am to 3pm. Both offer charged wraparound care from 7.30am to 6pm in term time and close for school holidays, bank holidays and inset days.
Sunny Days opens Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, with morning and afternoon options. Eligible extended funding is stretched to 22.8 hours weekly across 51 weeks; hours and food outside funding attract additional charges. Contact sunbeams@ridgeway.staffs.sch.uk for term-time provision or sunnydays@ridgeway.staffs.sch.uk for Sunny Days, or call 01543 227170. Ask the school for current charges.
Rainbow Tots serves two-year-olds, Sunbeams serves three- and four-year-olds, and Sunny Days covers six weeks to five years.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place or give priority under the 2027–2028 criteria. Apply separately through Staffordshire County Council.
Sunny Days has cots for babies and beds for children in its two-to-three group to nap.
At Rainbow Tots and Sunbeams, the charged extras, including Soccatots, Balanceability, cooking and baking, are optional. Families can withdraw from that provision and avoid its charge.
Contact the school to arrange a visit. Families whose child has SEND should mention this when enquiring so that the show-around can involve the SEND coordinator.
