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Nursery at Longford 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Ducklings gives Longford’s nursery its own identity within the academy’s early years team. Play and books shape the learning approach, while a nursery teacher and staff with nursery and additional-needs support roles provide the team structure. Children can join in the term after turning three. The setting is at Longford Primary Academy on Ascot Drive in Cannock.
At the Ofsted inspection on 25 and 26 March 2025, the school’s early years provision was judged Good. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Children in early years were learning cooperation and awareness of other children’s emotions through established routines. For a child beginning group learning, those social habits matter alongside the curriculum.
Books connect the curriculum rather than sitting apart from it. Texts are used across learning to develop vocabulary and imagination, giving language a role beyond a single story activity. Longford aims for children to explore through play, create things and gain confidence in trying something unfamiliar.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven learning areas. In parent terms, this means developing movement, communication and relationships alongside maths, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. The emphasis is on a foundation for learning, with social and physical development included alongside early academic skills.
Visual timetables are used in each classroom, with individual visual prompts provided when needed. These give children a way to see the sequence of the day and can support those who need more help understanding what comes next. For children entitled to 30 funded hours, attendance can extend across the school day, including lunchtime, so lunch forms part of the nursery experience for those staying all day.
Before starting, children can try the classroom through transition sessions. Early years staff can arrange a home visit, and extra sessions can be organised where a child needs more preparation. Photos of staff and spaces are another option. These arrangements allow familiarisation to begin before the first regular session.
An Early Years SEND coordinator provides a specific contact for additional needs. Both of the school’s SEND coordinators hold the Certificate of Special Educational Needs. Where staff have concerns about progress, they discuss them with parents, introduce support and review it after 6 to 8 weeks. Parents of children with support plans are invited to discuss them at least three times a year, with further meetings possible. This gives families defined opportunities to help shape support.
Parents can pass messages to a familiar early years staff member, and arrange longer conversations through Dojo or the office. At lunch, families can choose a packed lunch or order a charged hot school meal.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Longford. For entry in 2027/2028, it confers no admissions priority, and parents must submit a separate application through Staffordshire’s coordinated admissions process at the appropriate time. Choosing Ducklings therefore leaves a further application to complete.
Preparation for a new class is a separate matter. Children have a session with their next teacher when changing year group, and staff meet to pass on relevant information. Extra transition support can also be arranged according to need. Familiarity helps prepare a child for change; it does not determine allocation of a place.
Families eligible for 30 funded hours can use the whole school day, lunch break included, with no additional charge when they provide a packed lunch. A hot meal is charged separately. Children with a 15-hour entitlement can attend additional hours, including lunch or a full day, for an extra charge. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 01543 227410 or office@longford.sbmat.org. Visits can be arranged through the office, and early years open days are also offered. Longford encourages families to contact it before the year they hope to start because nursery places usually fill quickly.
Children are welcomed in the term following their third birthday.
Children entitled to 30 funded hours can stay for the school day, including lunch, with no additional charge if they bring a packed lunch. Hot meals are charged separately.
Classroom transition sessions are offered, home visits can be arranged, and extra sessions or photos of staff and spaces can be used where needed.
Speak to your child’s teacher or contact the school office to arrange a conversation with the Early Years SEND coordinator.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission or confer priority for 2027/2028 entry. Parents must make a separate application through the coordinated admissions process.
