Sledmere Primary School Nursery Review

Listening comes before letters at Sledmere: nursery children practise recognising familiar sounds, building the attention they need for later reading. This is the nursery within Sledmere Primary School in Dudley, with morning, afternoon and full-time options. Families can choose between a shorter session and a day spanning both morning and afternoon.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 1 and 2 April 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. In April 2025, children were learning the foundations needed for their next stage of education.

Sound recognition gives the nursery's early learning a concrete focus. Children develop careful listening before moving towards phonics, the teaching of sounds used in reading. The school uses Read Write Inc. for phonics; the nursery listening work prepares children for that later teaching.

Personal, social and emotional development is another part of the Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS. In parent terms, this means learning about feelings, relationships and independence alongside other learning. SCARF Early Years supports this work through stories, play and interactive activities. Children explore emotions and practise cooperating with other children, giving social learning a place in everyday activity.

Daily routines also help children practise independence and learn about healthy living. The school has large grounds with space for play and learning, adding a physical setting for its emphasis on learning indoors and outside.

Nursery staffing includes teaching and support roles. The wider school inclusion team includes a SENCo, a welfare assistant and a family support worker, giving families several routes into support. Parents with concerns about special educational needs or disabilities can arrange a SENCo appointment through the office.

Care begins in early years: in April 2025, children were receiving support and attention from the start of their school experience. This matters alongside the nursery's work on relationships and managing feelings.

Meals are cooked at school, with arrangements for vegetarian diets, allergies and religious dietary requirements. The school's lunch arrangements also allow packed lunches, excluding chocolate and fizzy drinks. For children eating lunch on site, these are practical choices for families with different dietary needs.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Dudley Council's school admissions route for the following year's intake. Applications can be made from 1 October each year. Treat this as a separate step in your family calendar, rather than assuming a nursery place carries forward.

Morning Nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am; Afternoon Nursery runs from 12:20pm to 3:20pm. Full Time Nursery spans 8:30am to 3:20pm. Those different collection times matter when planning work and other children's journeys.

The school allocates nursery places, and application forms come from its office. Families can arrange a visit before applying. Contact the office on 01384 476150 or email information@smps.perryhallmat.co.uk to enquire or book an appointment to view the provision.