All Saints Church of England Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Seeds, family stories and investigations into floating and sinking give the nursery at All Saints a practical starting point for learning. This is the nursery provision within the Church of England school in Alrewas, on Furlong Close. Its character combines exploration of the natural world with Christian celebrations and learning about other people's beliefs.

The school's overall Ofsted judgement is Requires Improvement. That is a school judgement, not a separate nursery grade.

Learning combines activities guided by adults with experiences children choose or initiate themselves. Children's interests, stories and celebrations help shape the work. For parents, this means the nursery's approach allows room for children's own ideas alongside planned teaching.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework. Language and communication, physical development, and children's personal, emotional and social development take priority within its seven connected areas. In everyday terms, learning to express an idea, move confidently and relate to others matters alongside subject knowledge. Development Matters also guides the early years approach.

Nursery learning starts close to home. Children talk about their families, remember personal events and explore the jobs people do. Looking at equipment and how it works connects familiar adults' occupations with early questions about cause and effect. Animals bring another focus: children compare living things, consider their habitats and explore life cycles.

Growing plants gives children something to observe over time. They sow seeds, care for plants and discuss changes, while water play and floating-and-sinking investigations introduce physical forces through experience. These activities give children concrete things to describe and explain.

Creative work mixes children's choices with adult guidance. EYFS activities include experimenting with materials, colour and simple tools, making purposeful constructions and preparing food with attention to hygiene. Twinkl Phonics and Rhino Readers are used across EYFS. Religious learning includes Christmas and Easter stories, alongside developing respect for differences between people.

A senior nursery nurse works within the nursery team, supported by two further staff members. The early years team aims to build secure relationships with children and families, and uses children's previous learning as a starting point. That emphasis gives individual interests a place in planning.

SEND support sits within the wider school structure. The school works with parents, involves outside specialists when appropriate and draws on JTMAT training for staff. This creates a route for discussing a child's needs with the school rather than treating learning support as a separate concern.

Mellors runs the school kitchen. The caterer describes adapting menus to children's tastes and dietary needs; families with dietary requirements have a relevant point to discuss when arranging meals.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process, managed by Staffordshire Local Authority. Choosing this nursery and applying for the next stage are separate decisions; attending nursery does not replace that application.

To apply for a nursery place, complete the nursery application form. The school office can be contacted on 01283 247940 or at office@allsaints-alrewas.staffs.sch.uk.

School uniform allows plain tops as well as those carrying a logo, provided they follow the school colours. White shirts or polo shirts and navy jumpers or cardigans form part of the clothing requirements. The PTFA also operates a shop for pre-loved uniform, giving families another way to obtain school clothing.