Chawson First School Nursery Review

Learning to listen, take turns and find words gives Chawson’s preschool its clearest character. This is the nursery provision within Chawson First School on Wych Road in Droitwich, with speaking and listening practice beginning among its youngest children. The school aims to help preschool children prepare for Reception.

There is an important distinction in the inspection picture. In November 2024, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Requires improvement, while finding that nursery children received effective support and made a positive start. At that inspection, the positive nursery start was not sustained consistently across early years because some staff lacked expertise in teaching early reading and writing.

At the November 2024 inspection, nursery children counted and sang songs and rhymes. In November 2024, adults helped children recognise sounds and extend their vocabulary, while children practised sharing and waiting for their turn. These are concrete foundations for communicating with other children and joining in learning.

Speaking and listening have a named place here: oracy. Preschool children practise listening to others and taking turns in conversation. Across the school, classrooms have displayed prompts for listening and starting sentences, giving children visible reminders to support discussion. Preschool families can also join Talk for Ten, using a conversation prompt for a ten-minute discussion at home.

Activities connect learning to familiar experiences. During autumn 2024, the preschool topic It’s Good To Be Me included feelings, family, colours and the body, alongside children’s preferences and summer holidays. In the 2024–2025 school year, preschool children also explored change through a fizzy colours experiment, watching mixed liquids produce a colourful reaction. That gives an abstract idea something concrete to observe and talk about.

Knowing each child’s starting point matters. In November 2024, nursery staff worked productively with parents and carers to understand children’s existing knowledge and abilities. This gives families a direct part in establishing what their child can already do.

For additional needs, the school uses an assess, plan, do, review process, with individual help recorded through My Plans and Support Plans. A special educational needs coordinator has responsibility for preschool through to Year Two, providing a contact route for concerns about learning and development.

Timely specialist support. In November 2024, delays in obtaining outside help meant some early years children did not receive language and communication support quickly enough. Families whose children need this help should make referral timing and follow-up part of their conversations with staff.

Attending Chawson’s nursery does not guarantee a place in its Reception year. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions process and meet the deadline for their entry year. The application route is Worcestershire County Council’s school admissions service.

Preparing children for Reception is the preschool’s stated aim. Keep that educational preparation separate from the allocation of a school place when planning your child’s next step.

Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoon sessions run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The booking model has 15-hour and 30-hour options for 2026–2027. Applications use the corresponding booking form, submitted to the main office according to the child’s intended starting term.

For preschool enquiries and help with applying, email preschool@chawson.worcs.sch.uk. School tours can be booked through the office, which can also be reached on 01905 773264 or at office@chawson.worcs.sch.uk. A tour gives families an opportunity to discuss how the session pattern would fit their child.

Wraparound age restriction. Kids F1rst provides childcare using the school hall and playground for children aged 4 in Reception through to 12. This arrangement starts at Reception age, so it should not be treated as preschool wraparound care.