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Nursery at Castle Wood Special 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sensory play, physical development and learning through a child’s interests shape Castle Wood’s early years approach. This is provision within a special school in Coventry, where communication and independence are central aims. The early years grouping covers ages 3–5; The Laceys also caters for children from age 3 who need support with health, mobility and the earliest stages of learning.
Ofsted judged early years provision Requires improvement at the inspection on 2 and 3 July 2024, when none of the enrolled children were of nursery age. That qualification matters: the judgement covers early years, rather than an observed nursery cohort.
Play combines adult guidance with activities chosen by children. Castle Wood uses children’s interests to motivate learning, while adults observe what they do and decide the next step. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes a structured, multisensory form here: learning involves exploration and play adapted to children’s needs.
Communication, social development and physical skills are early years priorities. Alongside these foundations, children encounter mathematics, creative activities and investigation. The practical emphasis gives families a useful picture of the approach: learning to communicate, take part and develop independence sits alongside subject learning.
Outdoor activity has substantial space in the day. Early years children can use the outdoor area for much of it, with sensory activities, physical challenges and free play. Across the school, classrooms have adjoining outdoor learning spaces, supported by a nature zone and sensory garden. Indoor resources include a sensory room and hydrotherapy pool. These are school facilities, with activities planned around individual needs.
Curriculum planning. In July 2024, the early years curriculum lacked a sufficiently clear sequence to prepare children for later learning, and opportunities were not consistently ambitious. For families, the important question is how each child’s current activities connect to their next learning goals.
Starting support draws on the people who already know a child. In July 2024, early years staff worked with families and previous settings to understand children’s needs and what motivated them. This gives the class team a starting point for planning support around the individual.
Lunch is eaten in the classroom alongside familiar adults and other children. Families can choose a school meal or send a packed lunch. Snacks and lunch also provide opportunities to practise communication and doing things for oneself, making care routines part of learning.
Class Dojo provides daily contact with staff, while termly parent consultations and annual EHCP reviews create opportunities to discuss progress and targets. Specialist support has conditions: NHS services are for children who have a referral and meet the relevant criteria. Speech and language support works in school weekly; occupational therapy and physiotherapy work with families and staff on needs such as seating, sensory support and movement.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Castle Wood placements are decided by Coventry SEN Services, usually through the education, health and care plan (EHCP) process. Families should work with the placement team on the Reception placement separately from nursery attendance; the school cannot allocate a place directly.
Preparation for starting Reception is a different matter. The senior teacher for EYFS contacts families beforehand, and children begin with shorter periods before building towards full days. Where a child needs a different pace, staff work with the family to adapt this. Changes between classes also involve familiar adults helping children develop relationships with their new team.
The school day runs from 8.55am to 3pm. These are school hours. General enquiries go to admin@castlewood.coventry.sch.uk or 024 7670 9060; placement enquiries go to sen@coventry.gov.uk.
Visits can be arranged once Coventry SEN Services advises that a tour is appropriate. Families then contact the school to arrange a date. Some children qualify for school transport, with an application possible after accepting a place. Familiar staff support children between the bus and school, linking the journey with their class team.
The early years grouping covers ages 3–5. The Laceys also includes children from age 3 with health, mobility and early learning needs.
Early years children have access to the outdoor area for much of the day, including free play, sensory activities and physical challenges.
Yes. Children can bring a packed lunch or have a school meal, eating in their classroom with familiar staff and friends.
No. Coventry SEN Services allocates Castle Wood placements, usually through the EHCP process. Nursery attendance should not be treated as a guarantee of a Reception placement.
Once Coventry SEN Services advises that a tour is appropriate, contact the school on 024 7670 9060 to arrange a visit date.
