Alderman's Green Primary School Nursery

A rhyme each week, books to share and plenty of conversation give Puffin Class its character. This is Alderman's Green Primary School's nursery for three- and four-year-olds in Coventry, with morning, afternoon and full-time attendance. It brings children into school life through play and language rather than making the day a sequence of formal lessons.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 21 and 22 February 2024. That judgement covers early years across the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children showed sustained attention and worked well together; adults used everyday conversations to develop their language.

Play and adult teaching share the timetable. Children choose activities and materials, investigate their own questions and take part in tasks led by adults. Learning happens outside as well as inside, so exploration is part of the day rather than confined to classroom teaching. Adults join children's play and use questions to help them develop an idea further.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects early reading and maths with learning to communicate, move, manage feelings and understand the world. Creative expression belongs alongside these foundations. Here, stories and discussion connect the different strands: children have opportunities to explain their thinking as well as listen.

Reading begins with listening. Nursery children learn a weekly rhyme and practise language and listening skills before formal phonics. They become familiar with the vocabulary and routines of Read, Write Inc; those assessed as ready begin the scheme in nursery. Readiness matters. Classroom book areas make stories part of the learning space, while repeated readings help children become familiar with favourite texts.

In February 2024, early years staff encouraged children to use complete sentences and describe their thoughts and feelings. Songs, books and rhymes were everyday teaching tools. For parents, the distinctive emphasis is on helping children find words for what they know, want and feel.

Puffin Class has its own nursery staff team, with an Early Years Lead and an EYFS SENCo within the wider school structure. Support for special educational needs and disabilities can include changes to teaching, work in smaller groups and additional adult help. Where further support is needed, staff and parents agree next steps through a My Support Plan.

For children with SEND, preparation for starting can include family visits, an admissions meeting, photographs and social stories. These give families opportunities to share information and children ways to become familiar with a new setting.

Chat, Play Read brings parents and children together for stories and craft activities, with a book to take home afterwards. Daily milk is free for children under five, supplied by Cool Milk. The school excludes nut products; parents can report allergies through Arbor or the office, helping staff understand individual dietary needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through Coventry City Council. Parents are encouraged to use the Parent Portal. The council determines applications, so choosing nursery and obtaining a school place remain separate decisions.

For children with SEND, transition support can include extra visits, photograph prompts and social stories, with specialist services involved where appropriate. These arrangements help prepare a child for change; they do not secure admission.

Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; the afternoon runs from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Eligible families can use the 30-hour provision, running from 8.45am to 3.15pm. Universal provision provides 15 hours weekly from the term after a child's third birthday.

Children normally join at the start of the term after turning three, subject to places. Those eligible for two-year-old funding can join during the term in which they turn three. For nursery enquiries, contact the school on 02476 688918 or agadmin@triumphlearning.org. Families can also telephone to arrange a school visit.