Ernesford Grange Primary School Nursery

Story characters, counting games and outdoor exploration give Ernesford Grange’s nursery day its character. This is the school’s own nursery provision in Binley, Coventry, with morning and afternoon groups. Each group has a 15-hour week. For families organising care around a shorter session, that distinction matters.

The school includes provision for two-year-olds. In July 2024, Ofsted found that the early years curriculum supported children’s development well, helping them gain confidence alongside knowledge.

Learning takes its cue from stories, then spreads into movement, making and conversation. A March 2024 nursery project centred on Cave Baby: children explored cave paintings, clapped syllables and used Little Wandle games to practise blending sounds aloud. Early language work was connected to something children could act out and discuss.

Numbers became physical too. Children threw a large dice, indicated the total with their fingers and jumped along a number track between pretend caves. Action Maths linked dice throws to movements such as hops. These examples show how early years learning combines counting, listening and bodily activity rather than relying solely on work at a table.

Seasonal observation added another strand. During that project, children selected pictures for a Weather chart and examined spring buds, hyacinths and daffodils outside. They compared those observations with their autumn experiences. Percussion accompanied The Prehistoric Animal Brigade, connecting music with the prehistoric theme.

A December 2023 afternoon nursery project used The Three Little Pigs and The Three Billy Goats Gruff to prompt construction. Children made bridges and houses with building toys, helped create an outdoor den, and retold a story using playdough. Numberblocks supported exploration of three, including recognising small quantities at sight. Stories supplied a purpose for building and a reason to talk about whether a structure would work.

Relationships support the routines. At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted described positive connections between early years staff and children that helped children feel secure and understand expectations. For a young child, confidence with adults and familiarity with routines are part of the learning itself.

Care also appears in small, concrete moments. A March 2021 nursery activity featuring Puff the dragon included an apple snack, dancing, model building and reading in the book corner. That example places snack alongside play and conversation. For matters concerning special educational needs, the school’s contact page directs families towards its SEN team.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. The school directs Reception applicants to Coventry City Council’s website; the council’s Admissions Department allocates primary places.

Keep the two applications distinct. A nursery application goes to the school office, whereas the Reception route runs through the council. Familiarity with school life should therefore be considered separately from the decision about a Reception place.

The morning group starts at 8:30am and finishes at 11:30am. Afternoon registration begins at 12:30pm, with the session ending at 3:30pm. These are the two nursery session patterns, each providing 15 hours in a typical school week.

To apply, complete the nursery application form and return it to the school office. General enquiries can be made on 02476454843. The school also invites families to contact it to arrange a visit, giving parents a direct route to explore the setting before applying.