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Nursery at Whitley Abbey Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Paint mixing, mud kitchen activities and early encounters with technology give Whitley Abbey’s nursery its character: children have practical ways to explore, create and explain their ideas. This is the school’s own nursery on Ashington Grove in Whitley, Coventry. Children normally begin in the term following their third birthday, and there are 24 places in each morning and afternoon session.
Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 6 and 7 June 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning into practical experiences. Here, the early years art plans combine adult guidance with opportunities for children to experiment. Colour mixing and observational drawing sit alongside clay, paint and playdough. Children are encouraged to describe what they notice and discuss their creations, giving conversation a purpose beyond answering an adult’s questions.
A mud kitchen and a stage for singing, dancing and performing add different ways to participate. Creative work can happen outside as well as indoors. The plans can change in response to children’s interests, so the intended learning leaves room for what catches their attention.
Technology also appears within play. Nursery computing plans include Beebots, tablets and a pretend till, alongside audio stories and torches. Smartie the Penguin and DigiDuck introduce online safety through teacher-led activities. These give young children concrete starting points for discussing technology and safe choices.
In June 2023, early years routines were established promptly, activities addressed intended learning and the outdoor environment supported learning across the curriculum. Assessment needs attention. Checks on children’s learning were too infrequent and did not consistently shape the next teaching steps, limiting what some children achieved. For parents, how staff use observations to plan a child’s next challenge is an important discussion.
Food arrangements are straightforward. The uniform guidance includes a packed lunch box and a filled, named water bottle; fruit is supplied during the morning, with a healthy alternative snack permitted for children who dislike it. Families using a longer day should plan around the packed lunch requirement.
The school’s SEND arrangements provide a route for discussing additional needs with the class teacher and SEND coordinator. Individual Educational Plans are reviewed each term with families. Outside specialists can become involved with parental agreement, including Speech and Language Therapy and the Complex Communication Team. This gives parents a role in agreeing support and reviewing its effect.
Thrive is used across the school to plan activities supporting emotional and social development. Where additional individual support is proposed, parents are involved in assessment and planning. Pastoral concerns can also be raised through the school office.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority under the listed admission criteria. Families must make a separate application through Coventry City Council, which allocates places. The policy gives mid-January as the normal closing period; families should follow the council’s deadline for their child’s entry year.
After a place is confirmed, children and families are invited to spend time at school during the summer term, with induction continuing in September. That familiarisation is separate from the allocation of a place.
The usual 15-hour pattern runs across Monday to Friday: mornings are 8:40am to 11:40am, or afternoons 12:40pm to 3:40pm. Eligible families may have access to a small number of 30-hour places, running 8:40am to 2:40pm. These are reviewed annually and are not assured for every academic year.
Additional sessions can be charged where space permits, and a paid extension allows children on the longer day to remain until the afternoon session finishes. Alternative attendance patterns depend on need and available places. Contact the office on 024 7630 3392 for nursery enquiries and current charges; pre-arranged school visits are welcomed.
Uniform includes a bottle green jumper or cardigan, a white shirt or polo and grey bottoms. Nursery children do not need a book bag. Keep collection permissions updated and notify the office promptly if another person will collect your child.
Children normally start in the term after their third birthday, subject to a place being available.
Morning sessions run from 8:40am to 11:40am and afternoons from 12:40pm to 3:40pm, Monday to Friday.
A small number of places may be offered to eligible families. They run from 8:40am to 2:40pm, Monday to Friday, and are reviewed annually rather than guaranteed each academic year.
No. It does not guarantee a place or provide priority under the listed criteria. Apply separately through Coventry City Council by the deadline for your child’s entry year.
The guidance includes a filled, named water bottle and a packed lunch box. Morning fruit is provided, and a healthy alternative snack is allowed for children who dislike fruit. A book bag is not required for nursery.
