Calveley Primary Academy Nursery Review

Play with a purpose gives Calveley's nursery its character: listening, independence and learning to get along start with the youngest children. Nursery provision begins at age two and forms part of Calveley Primary Academy. Little Acorns is a nursery class, while Willow Class includes both nursery and Reception children. This places early education within the daily life of the school.

At the Ofsted inspection on 25 and 26 February 2025, early years provision was graded Outstanding. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children in the two-year-old provision were already responding enthusiastically to staff expectations, giving families a concrete picture of how early participation in learning begins.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) combines learning through play with developing communication and independence here. Adults help children extend their play into learning. In February 2025, the café role-play area provided a practical example: children practised writing as they took pretend food orders. Writing had a reason behind it.

Listening receives close attention in the Nursery class, including among two-year-olds. Children develop the listening abilities needed for their next stage of early reading. Alongside this, the early years curriculum teaches children to communicate with others, persist when something is difficult and become more independent. These are useful skills for participating in a group as well as tackling an activity.

Outdoor learning is woven into the day. Nursery children can use the outdoor classroom throughout the day, rather than only at break time. The school garden adds another practical setting: every class has opportunities to garden and care for what it grows. Little Acorns children have also made jellyfish artwork, adding a specific example of creative activity to the picture of nursery life.

Support for additional needs connects families with the wider school team. The special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENDCo) works with parents, staff and other professionals to organise individual support. Families can contact the team at senco@calveleyacademy.org.uk or through the school office.

Communication is part of that support: teachers and families exchange information about barriers to learning and approaches that help. This gives parents a role in shaping support around their child. Within early years, February 2025 findings showed children developing consideration for others alongside confidence in communicating and acting independently. Personal development is part of the learning itself.

Attending Calveley's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route, via Cheshire East Council, by the normal deadline. Nursery attendance and a Reception application are distinct decisions.

Familiarity with the school is a separate benefit. Nursery and Reception children share access to the outdoor classroom, and Willow Class includes both age groups. Those shared spaces provide continuity of surroundings; they do not secure admission.

For enquiries, contact admin@calveleyacademy.org.uk or telephone 01270 918 360. Families can arrange a school walkaround to meet members of the team and explore the setting before deciding.

Collection arrangements require clear communication. Changes should be passed on by phone, email and the child's planner, or through the office when necessary; a password is required when normal arrangements change. Children are collected from the main playground. Ground-floor access, a disabled toilet and a baby changing station provide practical facilities for families using the school site.