Lote Tree Primary School Nursery Review

Choosing stories, practising turn-taking and learning to describe feelings give Lote Tree’s early years provision its character. This is a nursery within an independent Islamic primary school in Foleshill, Coventry, welcoming children of any faith or none. Its provision includes children aged two, three and four, with one Nursery class forming part of the school’s early years department.

At the June 2026 ISI inspection, early years planning responded to children’s interests and individual needs, helping them become confident and independent. For parents, that makes the connection between staff knowledge of each child and the activities planned for them an important part of the offer.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum takes learning through practical experiences, with staff drawing on conversations with children and parents to shape activities. The emphasis is on learning by doing. Stories and conversation develop language, while adults introduce vocabulary and demonstrate responses to help children contribute with greater confidence.

Mathematical ideas become tangible through recognising shapes and comparing fruit weights. Role play brings another kind of exploration: children in early years pretend to prepare sushi, samosas and pasta, introducing different foods and cultural traditions through play. Choosing a favourite story by voting gives children practice in making decisions together.

Daily outdoor activity supports physical development. Slides and climbing frames provide opportunities to build coordination and stamina, alongside stretching and jumping. Alongside these outdoor activities, paintbrushes, scissors and puzzles support fine motor development, helping children practise the smaller movements needed for handling tools.

Social learning runs through ordinary jobs, too. Children take turns, listen to others and help distribute water bottles and book bags. Tidying includes sweeping and disposing of rubbish. Small responsibilities give independence a practical form.

Settling includes a home visit, play-and-stay sessions involving both parent and child, a settling procedure and a parent consultation day. These give families opportunities for contact with the team as children settle into nursery. Keyworkers hold Level 3 childcare qualifications, and the early years team has paediatric first-aid training.

Emotional support is woven into daily interactions. Adults help children put feelings into words, offer reassurance and support them in managing their behaviour. The required adult-to-child ratios were maintained throughout the day in June 2026.

Snacks include fruit, crackers, yogurt and cheese, with water and milk to drink. Parents of children staying for a full day are encouraged to provide a healthy packed lunch; suggested contents include fruit, dairy and a sandwich. Food containing nuts is prohibited on the premises, which matters when packing lunch.

Safeguarding arrangements covered early years children in June 2026. School-wide recruitment checks had been completed, but some supporting paperwork was missing from personnel files and was corrected during the visit. Further work was recommended on keeping those files complete and accurately documenting informal complaints; complaint response times were clarified during the visit.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The published school application route accepts an online application or its school application form, with completed applications also accepted by email or post. Confirm Reception application requirements directly with the school.

Preparation for the next classroom is a separate benefit. Nursery children take part in taster sessions introducing the routines and expectations of Reception, helping make that change more familiar.

The nursery operates during term time. Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Full-day sessions are also offered. Families must book at least five morning or afternoon sessions each week, so this model suits those seeking a regular weekly pattern.

Funded provision includes 15-hour places for two- and three-year-olds and three- and four-year-olds, plus a 30-hour extended entitlement for eligible three- and four-year-olds. Paid sessions for two-year-olds are offered on request. Eligibility checks apply to two-year funding and the extended entitlement.

Snack contributions and cooking ingredients attract separate charges, and collection after the contracted finishing time incurs a late charge. Refer to the school for current charges. Nursery enquiries use the Nursery Enquiry Form, returned to admin@lotetreeprimary.com, or a paper copy from the office. Visits can be arranged by appointment.