Norton Canes Primary Academy Nursery

Every morning matters here. Nursery children are expected to attend each morning, giving the week a consistent pattern rather than a choice of occasional sessions. This is provision organised around preparation for school, with classroom learning and outdoor space both part of the experience.

At Norton Canes Primary Academy, Nursery sits alongside Ducklings, the school's provision for two and three year olds. The distinction matters: Norton Pines, a purpose-built role play village, belongs to that younger provision. It gives Ducklings children settings for imaginative play based on everyday experiences.

The early years curriculum prepares children for school, with attendance every morning establishing a regular routine. Weekly music sessions and PE teaching are part of Nursery's learning programme.

Charanga brings a named music programme into Nursery through weekly sessions. Singing, listening and musical games form part of the school's music approach, giving children opportunities to explore sound and rhythm. PE teaching also starts in Nursery, with teaching staff sometimes working alongside a specialist coach.

For younger Ducklings children, Norton Pines provides a different, concrete example of learning through play. Mini Mission activities use the village's buildings as settings for developing language, creativity and social skills. In All Aboard, children explore transport through pretend journeys, including an aeroplane trip to the beach and play involving cars, boats and trains. These are imaginative journeys within the provision.

Additional support starts with the class teacher, backed by the SENCO and Inclusion Manager. The school's graduated approach addresses barriers to learning, with families and external professionals involved in planning individual provision. Parents therefore have a defined team to approach with concerns about their child's development.

Thrive is part of the school's emotional and social support, including a weekly lesson accessible to all classes. Its work involves parents, carers and other agencies. Before joining, families can arrange an individual tour through the school office, offering a chance to meet the setting and discuss individual questions.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority in the 2026–2027 admissions arrangements. Children do not transfer automatically. Families must make a separate application through Staffordshire County Council, which allocates places using the school's admission criteria.

The normal-round deadline in those arrangements is 15 January. For the September 2026 intake, the application window ran from 1 November 2025 to 15 January 2026, so that cycle has already passed. Keep the nursery decision separate from the later application for a school place.

Mornings run from 8:45am to 11:45am. A lunch period follows until 12:30pm, with afternoons running from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The nursery expects daily morning attendance and does not accept occasional morning bookings. Families needing a variable weekly pattern should weigh that requirement carefully.

For September 2024 to August 2025, the arrangements provided 15 funded hours for three and four year olds from the term after their third birthday, over at least 38 weeks. Eligible working families could use 30 funded hours for morning and afternoon sessions, supplying a childcare code after applying the preceding term. Lunch remained a separate charge outside education funding, and booked sessions were chargeable even when a child was absent. Contact the school for current charges.

To arrange a visit, contact the office on 01543 279402. Individual tours can be arranged directly, allowing families to see the classrooms and outdoor space before choosing.