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Nursery at Ward Jackson Church of England Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Child-led play and a morning of school life define the nursery here. Ward Jackson Church of England Primary School’s youngest children belong to Tugboats Class, which brings nursery and Reception together within its early years provision. That shared class gives the nursery a clear place in the school, while its short sessions keep the practical commitment firmly to mornings.
The Christian character is part of the daily routine, including morning worship. In January 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. This is an early years judgement within the school’s inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Classrooms open at 08:45, registration follows at 08:50, and worship begins at 09:00. Children finish at 11:45. Worship invites participation from different faiths and worldviews; taking part in acts of Christian faith is not expected of everyone.
Play follows children’s interests, with adults guiding them towards further challenge. Teacher-directed activities sit alongside enquiry and play, so children have both adult guidance and opportunities to pursue their curiosity. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning to children’s development: communicating, managing feelings and relationships, moving confidently, exploring the world, creating, and beginning to understand literacy and maths.
Language receives deliberate attention. In January 2026, early years teaching emphasised speaking, listening and vocabulary, addressing the communication barriers some children brought with them. Children practised contributing answers and exploring letter sounds. These are useful foundations for expressing needs and joining activities.
The EYFS lead is qualified in Forest School and outdoor learning. That brings relevant expertise to the team; the nursery’s learning approach remains centred on children’s interests and adult support.
Relationships help children settle. In January 2026, early years staff built trusting connections that supported children in becoming comfortable quickly. Adults monitored development and adjusted learning to individual needs, with regular contact between staff and families helping support continue beyond the classroom.
Seesaw carries internal school news. For concerns about development or wellbeing, the class teacher is the first contact, with the SENDCo available for further discussion. The school uses a two-week process to monitor new starters, including a meeting with parents in their first week. This creates an early opportunity to discuss how a child is managing.
The Thrive Approach is used across the school, and an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) provides targeted emotional support. SEND support plans are reviewed at least termly, depending on progress. The school building has a single floor, a concrete point for families considering movement around the setting.
Before a child starts, families provide information about allergies, dietary needs and health requirements. Keeping those details updated helps staff respond to the child’s care needs.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through their home local authority’s common application form, including those already attending the school’s early years provision.
For September 2026 entry, the deadline was 15 January. In the 2026/2027 admissions cycle, nursery attendance did not confer priority. A younger sibling attending an attached nursery did not qualify a family for sibling priority either. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.
For children with SEND changing classes within the school, information is passed to the next teacher beforehand, usually with a planning meeting. A personalised transition book or passport can also be made when it would help. These arrangements support the change of class; they do not confer admission rights.
Nursery attendance is limited to 15 hours per week, from 08:45 to 11:45. Morning-only provision. The finish time means families need arrangements for the rest of the day.
Gates open at 08:35. Contact the school office to discuss joining or arrange a tour; office contact hours are 08:00 to 16:30.
Uniform is unbranded, with royal blue knitwear, a white or pale blue shirt, and grey or black bottoms among the choices. Families can buy it from any retailer, and second-hand uniform is available through the office.
Children attend for 15 hours per week, with morning sessions running from 08:45 to 11:45.
Child-led play follows their interests, alongside adult-directed activities and enquiry. Staff guide children’s development across the EYFS areas of learning.
No. A separate application through the home local authority is required. Nursery attendance did not confer priority in the 2026/2027 admissions cycle.
Start with the class teacher. The SENDCo can discuss further concerns, with appointments arranged through the school office.
Yes. Contact the school office to arrange a tour or discuss admission enquiries.
