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Nursery at Daven 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An outdoor mud kitchen, a woodland corner and a separate room for two-year-olds give Daven's nursery a distinctly practical character. Seedlings is the youngest children's base at Daven Primary School in Congleton, with a dedicated space for ages 2–3. The wider early years provision caters for children aged 2, 3 and 4. Play has room to grow here.
Nursery practitioners run Seedlings day to day, with oversight from the school's EYFS lead and headteacher. Once children turn three, they move to Acorn Class, which combines preschool and Reception. That gives the nursery experience two distinct stages: a room designed for younger children, followed by a shared preschool classroom.
Inside Seedlings, the open-plan room brings together a story corner, construction with blocks and imaginative small-world play. Children can experiment with sensory materials, make marks and take part in creative activities; role play adds opportunities to practise language and social interaction. Outdoors, the mud kitchen gives messy exploration its own place.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the learning. In parent terms, this brings speaking and listening, physical development and relationships together with early literacy, maths, creative expression and exploration of the world. Adults plan activities, while children also choose their own play, including their companions and where they want to spend time. Staff use children's interests to shape experiences, so learning starts with something that catches their attention.
For preschool children in Acorn Class, the curiosity approach supports play and exploration alongside direct teaching. Across the nursery, activities include pencil control, movement using both larger and smaller muscles, group work and early language development. The on-site forest school area extends this beyond the classroom: nursery pupils can explore the woodland throughout the year, including in wet weather.
In May 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. Adults guided activities before children tackled them independently, helping confidence develop alongside practical skills. Spaces accommodated quieter play as well as small groups. Nursery children were introduced to basic letters and sounds, with staff choosing clear language to support communication.
Calm routines and encouragement shape the care described in the May 2026 early years findings. Adults developed close relationships with children and paid attention to their needs, giving the nursery day a reassuring structure alongside opportunities for independent play.
Tapestry, the online learning journal, shares observations of children's development with families. It gives parents a connection to what their child is learning. For concerns about progress, the class teacher is the first contact; the school's SENCO provides another route for support. Daven uses an Early Identification Pathway and reviews support through a graduated approach, involving families in planning for children's needs.
Moving from Seedlings to Acorn Class at three is a nursery transition. Staff work with families on that move, and toilet training before joining Acorn is preferred where possible. It is a preference with a qualifier, rather than an unconditional entry requirement.
Reception admission remains separate. Attending Daven's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place: parents must make a further application through the Cheshire East Admissions website. Keep that application separate from arrangements for moving between the nursery's rooms.
Daven participates in Cheshire East Council's Free Early Years Education Scheme, offering 15 hours of free nursery education to 2- and 3-year-olds after the term of their second birthday. It also offers 30 funded hours for those entitled. Check eligibility through Childcare Choices.
Extended nursery care begins at 8:30am, with an afternoon extension from 3:00pm to 3:30pm. These additional periods may help families fit nursery around their working day. Applications use an online form, and nursery enquiries go through the school office on 01260 228088 or admin@daven.cheshire.sch.uk.
The early years provision caters for ages 2, 3 and 4. Seedlings has a dedicated room for children aged 2–3, and children move to Acorn Class once they turn three.
Children have an outdoor mud kitchen and access to an on-site forest school woodland area throughout the year, in all weathers.
Observations of children's learning and progress are shared with families through Tapestry, an online learning journal.
No. Parents must apply separately for Reception through the Cheshire East Admissions website.
Extended care starts at 8:30am, with afternoon care from 3:00pm to 3:30pm.
