Wistaston Academy Nursery Review

Daily outdoor play, a nursery lending library and a familiar key person give Wistaston Academy’s nursery its character. This is the school’s own provision for children aged 3 to 4, on Moreton Road in Crewe. Its routines connect learning with the practical business of helping young children settle, communicate and become more independent.

Ofsted rated the school’s early years provision Outstanding following the inspection on 16 and 17 July 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Outdoor activity is a daily fixture. Children need wellingtons kept at nursery, plus clothing suited to the weather: waterproof layers for winter and sun protection for warmer days. This makes outdoor learning part of the ordinary routine rather than an occasional extra. In July 2024, early years children were absorbed in investigating insects, growing plants and learning about safety on roads.

Language also runs through the day. During that same inspection, early years children regularly heard stories, joined in songs and practised rhymes. These give children repeated opportunities to hear and use words through activities they enjoy. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning, care and development together for young children; here, practical exploration and language activities provide concrete examples of that work.

The Nursery Library opens at 8:25am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when families can select a book. Each child receives a book bag for borrowing. This gives parents a straightforward way to continue shared reading at home. A cloakroom display board changes weekly, showing current learning and forthcoming events, so families can connect conversations at home with nursery activities.

Settling starts with a relationship. A child’s key person introduces themselves during the initial settling sessions and works with the family to understand individual needs. They also help the nursery teacher prepare developmental and progress reports. For parents, that creates a familiar contact as their child adjusts to nursery.

Tapestry provides an electronic learning journal. Families learn how to access it at their Including Me Plan meeting, then can comment on staff observations and contribute examples from home. Home Learning Opportunities guidance is sent each half term, giving parents activities to extend learning beyond the session.

Snack is a seated social occasion, with children talking to friends and an adult. They receive milk or water and choose fruit or vegetables; drinking water remains accessible throughout the day. Children staying for lunch bring a packed lunch and eat alongside a midday assistant. Sweets, chocolate and fizzy drinks are excluded, so lunch needs planning accordingly.

For children with SEND, the school works with families and class teachers, involving outside agencies when needed. Support can include a personalised curriculum for children with high levels of need. Concerns begin with the class teacher, who can involve the SEND coordinator for specialist advice.

Attending Wistaston Academy Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as two separate decisions; attendance alone should never be taken as confirmation of a future place.

Sessions run Monday to Friday. The morning lasts from 8:30am to 11:30am; the extended session runs from 11:30am to 3:00pm. There are 15-hour funded places for all children and 30-hour funded places for eligible parents and carers. Extended sessions can also be purchased. Families seeking 30 hours should contact the office and supply their eligibility code; contact the school for current charges.

Nursery children wear Wistaston Academy uniform. Label clothing, provide spare clothes and keep wellingtons at nursery. Collection is restricted to adults on the consent sheet, with advance notice needed for someone unfamiliar to staff. If delayed, telephone the office on 01270 910500. The office also handles nursery enquiries and interest in extended sessions.