The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Outwoods Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Songs, stories and forest sessions give Outwoods nursery its character: early learning combines language, practical activity and growing independence. This is the school's own nursery in Horninglow, Burton-on-Trent, with 26 places for children aged 3 to 4. Teaching is teacher led and runs during term time, making it a practical fit for families who want childcare organised around the school calendar.
The April 2026 Ofsted inspection judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school's early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Two teaching sessions frame the day, with lunch between them. Morning learning runs from 8:30am to 11:30am, lunch from 11:30am to 12:15pm, and afternoon learning from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Families can choose shorter sessions or a pattern spanning the day.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes shape through activities that build language, movement, social skills and early mathematical thinking. Finger activities develop the small movements children need for handling objects, while forest sessions teach them about safety. In April 2026, children took part willingly and enjoyed learning. A party planning activity brought mathematical thinking into a familiar situation, giving children a practical reason to use their skills.
Stories have a clear place alongside these activities. The Nursery Reading for Pleasure Book Spine provides a named collection, and songs and rhymes help children get ready to recognise sounds. Read Write Inc. is the school's phonics programme; nursery teaching introduces the first 26 sounds to the group before moving to Special Friends. Sounds are checked, with recap sessions addressing gaps.
Language development. In April 2026, adult conversations generally extended children's thinking, but opportunities were not used consistently. Developing these exchanges remains an improvement priority, so the quality of everyday talk deserves attention alongside the planned activities.
Settling begins before the nursery day. Summer-term visits to the child's home or existing setting give families time to discuss concerns and share favourite activities, likes, dislikes and previous experiences. Staff can begin getting to know the child in familiar surroundings rather than starting that relationship entirely in the classroom.
By April 2026, staff and children had developed trusting relationships. Predictable routines helped children understand expectations and become more independent. Staff supported children with additional needs to take part in the curriculum, while families received progress updates and guidance for learning at home.
The wider school's support arrangements include Personalised Learning Plans, shared through EDUKEY, and at least three reviews each school year for children identified with SEND. A sensory room, ear defenders and regulation stations are among the resources children can access when helpful. These provide concrete options for discussing an individual child's needs.
Lunch can be brought from home or supplied by Mellors. The lunch period is a separate part of the timetable, so families should consider both the food choice and the session arrangement when selecting their pattern.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For 2027/28, it carries no priority in the admission criteria. Parents must make a separate Reception application through Staffordshire County Council's normal admissions route and meet the deadline for their entry year.
Learning continuity is a different matter. Steps across nursery and Reception are planned in sequence. For children needing additional transition support, staff share assessments and information at meetings between classes, with extra visits arranged where needed. Familiarity and preparation help the move; they do not secure admission.
Opening hours are 8:30am to 3:15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. The booking choices include five morning or afternoon sessions, an eligible 30-hour funded pattern, and a flexible 15-hour arrangement, such as two and a half days. Families eligible only for 15 funded hours can purchase additional sessions. Lunch arrangements and purchased sessions can incur charges; contact the school for current charges.
Children are handed directly to their class teachers at the Early Years door for drop-off and collection. For enquiries or to arrange a visit, contact the school office on 01283 529800 or email enquiries@outwoods.staffs.sch.uk.
The nursery caters for children aged 3 to 4 and has 26 places.
Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am. Afternoon sessions run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm, during term time.
Yes. Alongside five three-hour sessions, there is a flexible 15-hour option, with two and a half days given as an example. A 30-hour funded pattern is available if eligible.
Summer-term visits to the child's home or existing setting allow staff to meet the child and discuss concerns, interests and previous experiences with parents.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission or confer priority for 2027/28. Parents must apply separately for Reception through Staffordshire County Council's normal admissions route.
