Howes Community Primary School Nursery Review

Recycling trucks, stories and early sound games give Howes nursery its practical, language-focused character. During April 2024, early years children practised sorting collected materials into containers, with activities selected to extend vocabulary and follow their interests. Play has a learning purpose here.

Nursery provision starts from age three at Howes Community Primary School in Cheylesmore, Coventry. A plan for September 2025 set nursery numbers at 26. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 10 and 11 April 2024; that judgement covers early years within the school rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Talking, exploring and making are the building blocks of the early years day. In Acorn Class, children practise unfamiliar words in sentences, share stories and develop the listening skills needed for phonics. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes concrete form through these activities: learning to communicate, recognise quantities, investigate surroundings and express ideas through creative work.

The Phonics Shed is the school's named phonics programme. Nursery children begin with listening to sounds and nursery rhymes, preparing them for the sounds used in reading. In April 2024, this preparation included both hearing and producing sounds. Listening to sounds and nursery rhymes prepares children for learning to read.

Counting and recognising numbers sit alongside exploring shapes, space and patterns. Children also draw, paint, make sculptures, dance and sing. Acorn Class has a classroom and outdoor area, with the school field used for exploration too. The outdoor area and school field give children space to investigate beyond the classroom. Nursery children are encouraged to bring wellington boots for outdoor play.

Individual needs shape the activities. In April 2024, children learning English as an additional language were among those receiving activities tailored to their needs. Early recognition of learning difficulties helped staff decide what extra support to provide. The practical implication is that the same activity can be adjusted to help a child participate.

Across Howes, the special educational needs coordinator supports children and their families. Staff discuss support plans with parents or carers and give regular progress feedback. Teaching areas have wheelchair access, as do the accessible toilets, making physical access part of the school's support arrangements.

For children attending across lunchtime, the EYFS lunch period runs from 12.00 to 13.00. Books can also be borrowed from the start of a child's time at Howes, giving families stories to share at home.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Coventry City Council is the route for school admission procedures. Treat that application as a separate decision and task, even while your child is already attending the nursery.

Families can arrange 15 hours as morning attendance or a combination including full days. Howes also supports 30-hour places where needed. These alternatives give families different ways to organise attendance, rather than requiring one morning-only pattern.

After-school care. The school's after-school provision excludes nursery children. Families needing care after the nursery day will therefore need another arrangement.

Recommended clothing includes a royal blue cardigan or sweatshirt, a white polo shirt and grey bottoms, with black shoes or trainers. Clothing should carry the child's name. Some uniform items can be bought through the school office or Brigade.

For nursery enquiries, contact the office on 024 76 411711 or use the enquiry form. Visits can be arranged. The school is on Palermo Avenue, with CV3 5EH as its postal postcode; drivers using satellite navigation should enter CV3 5EG.