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Nursery at Underwood West 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Listening walks, percussion and investigations into melting give Underwood West’s nursery its character: children learn through things they can hear, handle and question. This is the nursery within Underwood West Academy in Crewe, with provision that includes two-year-olds. Its place in a primary school brings a school setting to the early years, while the learning remains centred on play.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 12 and 13 November 2024. That judgement covers early years within the academy; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.
Adult-guided activities sit alongside play initiated by children. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers seven learning areas, with skills planned across them. In practice, that means children have both teaching input and opportunities to pursue their own ideas.
Monster Phonics Nursery Scheme concentrates on listening and spoken language rather than formal reading lessons. Children explore everyday noises, join action songs and hear how sounds combine within words. Stories, sound games and small-world play carry this work through the day. Short, active sessions give children ways to practise attention and communication through play.
Mathematics uses Mastering the Curriculum. Puzzles, beads and blocks turn ideas about measurement, patterns, shape and counting into practical activities. Music adds another route into learning: children invent songs, use percussion and follow picture sequences to make simple compositions. They also discuss the feelings music brings out.
For geography, the nursery uses a wait, watch & wonder approach. Adults extend children’s interests with questions about homes, local places and simple maps. Science follows curiosity too, with themes including minibeasts, growing plants and changes during cooking. Seasonal observations connect these investigations to the world around them. The outdoor area is accessible in different weather conditions, so a suitable coat belongs in the daily kit.
Early writing. In November 2024, the school’s early-writing weaknesses included some unsuitable writing models and activities for developing pencil grip, letter formation and applying phonic knowledge. These are useful points for families to discuss when considering how early mark-making develops.
Toileting is treated as a practical consideration. Nursery children may wear leggings or joggers as well as trousers to make this easier, and families supply spare clothes. A water bottle comes in each day and returns home for washing; milk is provided at snack time. Children who remain for lunch need a healthy packed lunch.
Before a place is offered, families can meet the Nursery Manager and visit with their child when a space becomes available. The enquiry form asks about medical and additional needs, giving families an early opportunity to explain the support their child requires.
Across the academy, a SEND Manager and Deputy SENCO offer advice to families. The school also has access to a commissioned Speech and Language Therapy Service. These provide routes for discussing communication difficulties or additional needs. Parents can arrange discussions with the vice principal responsible for EYFS through the school office.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. For September 2026 entry, applications went through Cheshire East’s school-place application route. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
Provision runs during term time, with starting points in April, September and January. Morning sessions are 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons are 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Part-time attendance follows an all-mornings or all-afternoons pattern. Full days are restricted to children with 30-hour funding or families purchasing extra sessions that amount to provision for a full week.
Both 15-hour and 30-hour places are offered, subject to availability, and additional hours can be purchased. Funding is credited across 38 weeks. Ask the school for current charges.
Families submit an Expression of Interest form to join the waiting list; submitting it does not secure a place. Nursery enquiries go to nursery@underwoodwest.cheshire.sch.uk or 01270 260582. Uniform consists of a purple jumper with a grey or white polo shirt, with labelled clothing and a spare change packed for the day.
No. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate, and families must apply again for Reception.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, and afternoon sessions from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Provision is term time only.
Yes. The nursery offers 15-hour and 30-hour places, subject to availability. Additional hours can be purchased.
Bring a suitable coat, a water bottle and spare clothes. Children staying for lunch need a healthy packed lunch. Label clothing.
Submit an Expression of Interest form, or contact nursery@underwoodwest.cheshire.sch.uk or 01270 260582. The form puts your child on the waiting list and does not guarantee a place.
