Scientia Academy Nursery

Play indoors, exploration outdoors and an afternoon of Forest School give Scientia Academy’s early years provision its shape. The nursery has 52 places for children aged 3 and 4, within the school’s Early Years area. Morning and afternoon groups each take up to 26 children, making the session pattern a practical part of choosing a place.

Children learn through a mixture of their own play and activities guided by adults. Continuous Provision gives them opportunities to revisit skills they have already been taught, rather than encountering each idea just once. Staff observe children, interact with them and use what they learn to plan subsequent activities. Children’s interests help shape that planning.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, relationships, physical development and early literacy and maths, alongside creative expression and finding out about the world. In parent terms, learning involves talking, doing, investigating and developing ideas. Children have opportunities to choose what to explore as well as take part in more structured activities.

Indoor and outdoor learning both feature. Across EYFS, children have a Forest School afternoon once a week in the forest school area; the school aims to develop confidence and teamwork through these outdoor experiences. This gives learning a natural setting alongside the indoor provision. Read Write Inc. Phonics includes nursery children who are learning to read and write. In May 2025, nursery children enjoyed hearing stories and investigating sounds, a concrete picture of the earliest stages of reading here.

Teaching assistants support the early years team. Tapestry connects learning with home: families can use the app for activities linked to their child’s curriculum, giving parents something specific to try together.

Children can have a hot meal at lunch or bring their own packed lunch. Chartwells runs the kitchen, and school meals comprise a main course, dessert and drink. Medical diet information is also available, so dietary needs belong in the conversation before lunch arrangements are agreed.

The school’s SEND support uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review, with parents involved in agreeing support and reviewing progress. Its premises include wide corridors and adapted toilets. These are useful practical features for families considering accessibility. A staff member trained to handle safeguarding concerns is always on the premises, providing a direct route for raising a concern.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Staffordshire County Council, using the normal Reception application process.

For children with SEND, moving class can include information passed to the next teacher, a planning meeting and, for some children, extra classroom visits or a transition support book. These arrangements support familiarity and continuity; they do not secure admission.

Morning and afternoon sessions are offered, alongside 15 and 30 hour places. Funded 30 hour places are limited and depend on eligibility. Nursery breakfast and lunch clubs provide additional options around sessions; contact the school for current charges.

For nursery enquiries, call the office on 01283 248100. Children need a labelled water bottle each day, and clothing, coats and bags should carry their name. Comfortable clothes and footwear allow children to move freely and take part in activities.