Al Ashraf Primary School Nursery

Imaginative play indoors, an outdoor area beside the classroom and woodland outings characterised Al Ashraf’s wider early years provision in May 2024. It belongs to an independent Islamic primary school in Gloucester whose provision starts at age two. For families seeking an Islamic school setting from the earliest years, that shared identity is a central consideration.

The early years provision occupies the main school site. In May 2024, it had 53 children across early years, a figure for the wider setting rather than nursery places alone. The school aims to develop Muslim children’s moral and academic lives together. Its AKHLAQ values include honesty and kindness, giving families a clear sense of the attitudes it wants children to develop.

Play gives children room to practise both independence and cooperation. In May 2024, early years teaching was carefully organised and moved at a purposeful pace; children generally progressed well. Opportunities to invent their own play, or join others’ imaginative activities, extended across indoor and outdoor spaces. That means learning includes making choices and working with other children, alongside adult teaching.

The early years foundation stage curriculum met national requirements and suited children’s ages and aptitudes. In everyday parent terms, the emphasis included learning through play, talking with adults and other children, and developing social confidence. Children shared their thoughts readily and worked together successfully in the classroom and playground. Their social abilities were strong for their age.

In May 2024, outdoor learning in the wider early years provision had two distinct settings. Children could move into a play area directly beside their classroom, while weekly trips took them to a local woodland park. In May 2024, these activities supported their physical health and emotional wellbeing. The woodland visits also provided outdoor learning beyond the school grounds.

There is a teaching caution to weigh alongside those strengths. In May 2024, insufficiently demanding tasks slowed progress in a few lessons among the younger age groups. This finding concerned younger pupils more broadly; it should not be read as applying to every nursery activity.

Conversation is a practical part of language support. In May 2024, children learning English as an additional language developed their language appropriately, with speaking and listening progressing especially well. Staff encouraged discussion, and children willingly talked with adults and one another. For a child developing English, those exchanges give language practice a social purpose.

Accident communication is specific to early years: parents received prompt information about injuries and accidents through accident forms in May 2024. That provides a concrete connection between care during the day and information reaching home.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the applicable admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat that application as a separate decision when planning your child’s next stage, rather than assuming that remaining on the same school site secures admission.

The nursery’s school is based at Al Ashraf Cultural Centre on Stratton Road, Gloucester, GL1 4HB. Families can contact the school on 01452 503533 for enquiries. This gives parents a direct starting point for discussing joining the nursery.