The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at The Berkeley Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Torches casting shadows, art made for the pleasure of experimenting, and time to chat over a snack: these are concrete features of nursery life at The Berkeley Academy. This school nursery in Wistaston, Crewe, takes children aged 2 to 4 and operates during term time, with both funded and paid places. Its appeal lies in the mix of practical exploration and a clearly organised day.
Phonics begins the morning, followed by periods of play and exploration alongside groups led by adults. A snack break creates time for conversation before activities resume. Lunch separates the morning and afternoon, and the closing stretch brings tidying, another snack and a story. Children have repeated opportunities to explore, with group activities woven into the routine.
The Berkeley curriculum begins with EYFS, the early years foundation stage, and builds on earlier learning. In nursery, that learning includes investigating how things work. Children make shadows and patterns with torches, use old remote controls in pretend play and find information about animals through technology. Online learning games also support maths and phonics. These examples give parents a useful picture of technology as something children investigate and use for a purpose.
Art puts experimentation ahead of a finished piece. Adults demonstrate ways to make patterns, explore texture and form enclosed shapes, while children try different materials. The emphasis is on expression and developing skills.
Emotional understanding has a practical home connection. Families can use an emotions display with picture faces to help children explain how they feel and talk about their day. This gives a child another way to communicate when words are difficult.
For children with additional needs, the school's support process starts with classroom teaching and develops in stages. Concerns raised by families or staff are recorded, with initial support strategies monitored. Visual reminders and focused small groups are among the classroom approaches. Support Plans for children without an Education, Health and Care Plan are reviewed each term with parents, pupils and staff, giving families a regular point to discuss support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority process and meet its deadline. Cheshire East administers Reception admissions; where applications exceed available places, the Admissions Authority's allocation criteria apply. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as two separate decisions, and keep the application timetable in view while your child attends nursery.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, and afternoons from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Lunch Club occupies the half hour between them. Nursery entry takes place termly, with places and preferred sessions dependent on availability. Contact nursery@berkeley.cheshire.sch.uk or call 01270 845726 for nursery enquiries and registration. Ask the school for current charges.
Boost Club extends care to children from the nursery class onwards. Breakfast care starts at 7:30am, while the full after-school session ends at 6pm. Breakfast choices include fruit, cereal and toast; later activities include baking, games and science experiments, with indoor and outdoor provision. The full afternoon session includes a light snack at 4:30pm, intended to supplement meals. The shorter Happy Hour ends at 4:30pm and excludes that snack.
Wraparound availability. Boost Club places are very limited, so a request may only be partly accommodated. Book through boost@berkeley.cheshire.sch.uk or return a booking form to the school office. Its collection and drop-off point is above the steps from Laidon Avenue beside the parent car park.
Children aged 2 to 4 can attend, with funded and paid places during term time.
Morning sessions are 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoon sessions are 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Lunch Club runs from 11:45am to 12:15pm.
The routine combines phonics, exploration, adult-led groups, snack conversations and stories. Activities include experimenting with art materials and investigating shadows using torches.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the local authority's normal admissions process, by its deadline.
Yes. Boost Club accepts children from the nursery class onwards. Breakfast care starts at 7:30am and after-school care runs until 6pm, with a shorter option ending at 4:30pm. Places are very limited.
