Horton St Michael's CofE First School Nursery Review

Songs, rhymes and careful listening introduce reading in Catkins, the nursery at Horton St Michael's CofE First School. This is an early start built around sounds. The provision takes children aged three and four and sits within a rural Church of England school near Leek, serving Horton and Rudyard.

The nursery has 11 children on roll; that is an attendance figure, rather than its capacity. Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 9 and 10 July 2024. That judgement covers the school's early years provision.

Songs and rhymes are part of nursery phonics here. In July 2024, nursery phonics involved rhymes and songs, with children learning to distinguish sounds. Little Wandle Phonics is the school's reading programme. For a parent, the nursery detail matters: these first steps include songs, rhymes and careful listening to sounds.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning also includes religious stories and discussion. Oscar out of the Box shapes early years worship, using an owl character alongside storytelling, music and prayer. A recurring sequence moves from a welcome through learning and reflection to a response, giving children a familiar structure for participation.

The physical setting includes an early years classroom connected to the main hall. Beyond it, the school's woodland has a bird-hide, an amphitheatre and spaces for reflection. Catkins children have also attended a theatre performance of Aladdin, taking nursery experiences beyond the classroom.

In 2025/26, Dolce school meals carried a separate charge, and a lunchtime extension could join either a morning or afternoon session. That made lunch part of choosing a session. Confirm current meal provision, lunchtime extensions and charges with the school.

Support for special educational needs and disabilities is organised through the school's SENCO, working with families, staff and outside agencies. Teachers and teaching assistants provide additional interventions. The support process includes planning with parents and setting a review date, so families have a role in deciding what help their child receives and when it is reconsidered.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer admissions priority. Families must make a separate Reception application through Staffordshire's coordinated admissions process. Familiarity with the school does not replace that application.

For September 2026 entry, the preferred route was an online application through Staffordshire admissions, with a primary deadline of 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past. Nursery and Reception remain separate decisions for families planning their child's next stage.

The 2025/26 session pattern comprised mornings from 8:45am to noon, afternoons from 1pm to 3:15pm, and an all-day option from 8:45am to 3:15pm. A noon-to-1pm lunchtime extension could supplement either shorter session. These are dated arrangements; contact the school for current charges.

For 2026/27, nursery entry is possible from a child's third birthday on a privately paid basis until the first term afterwards, when the 15-hour weekly funded place becomes available. The 2025/26 arrangements included charges for sessions not covered by EEF funding and a separate meal charge. Confirm current provision and charges with the school.

Enquiries and requests for a school visit go through the office on 01538 306278 or office@hortonstmichaels.co.uk. A nursery expression of interest provides a direct way to begin the conversation.