Henley Green Primary Nursery Review

Storytelling gives Henley Green’s early years provision a clear focus: helping children develop the language they need to join in, explain ideas and learn. Little Acorns caters for children aged 2-3, alongside Nursery for ages 3-4, within Henley Green Primary in Coventry. These are the school’s own early years groups.

At the Ofsted inspection on 5 and 6 March 2024, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covered the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about communication, relationships, movement, literacy, mathematics, the world and creative expression. Henley Green uses Development Matters to match teaching to children’s development. Planning is organised into half-term blocks, with separate plans for Little Acorns and Nursery. The practical emphasis is on learning suited to a child’s age and stage.

Language receives deliberate attention. The school identifies communication as an area where its children need extra support and uses storytelling to address it. Stories, singing and rhymes also featured in the March 2024 early years findings. They give children opportunities to listen and participate, alongside the teaching of reading, writing and mathematics, which was effective at that inspection.

Exploration adds another dimension. Early years science combines activities directed by adults with learning initiated by children. Children investigate materials through their senses, notice changes and similarities, ask how things work and discuss discoveries. Technology also enters learning from the two-year-old provision, with opportunities across EYFS to experiment with different technologies. Learning extends beyond listening to an adult.

Social development belongs to the day too. In March 2024, children were developing friendships, practising turn-taking and becoming more independent. Their progress from their starting points was strong.

Daily snacks include fresh fruit, a buttered bagel, or both, with water or milk. Parents can ask their child’s key person about the fruit served during a session. This provides a named role to approach about that everyday care routine. Teachers also share activity updates regularly through Class Dojo, giving families a connection with what children are doing.

In March 2024, early years staff used parents’ knowledge of their children to shape the starting point for learning. Behaviour support uses immediate praise and rewards such as stickers, with the school’s behaviour arrangements adapted for younger children.

For additional needs, the school uses a graduated approach: support can involve teaching adjustments, physical resources or specialist agencies. Its Inclusion Team works with families, children and staff across the school. All staff receive regularly refreshed safeguarding training.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process. For September 2027 entry, applications can be completed online or using a paper form collected from the school office. Keep that application separate from arranging a nursery place.

Nursery places of 15 or 30 hours are offered for children aged 2-4. These give families two attendance allocations to consider when arranging childcare. Contact the school office about a nursery place and ask the school for current charges.

The office can be reached on 024 7661 3163 or at admin@henleygreen.coventry.sch.uk. Families wishing to speak with the school before applying can arrange an appointment through the office.