Five Spires Academy Nursery

Play, conversation and sustained concentration give Five Spires Academy’s early years its character. The school has nursery provision at Cherry Orchard in Lichfield, placing this first stage of education within a primary school. The emphasis is on learning through activity, with adults using those activities to extend children’s language.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 12 and 13 July 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. For parents, the useful detail is how children learn and settle.

Learning through play is a substantial part of the early years curriculum. In July 2023, children had plentiful opportunities to explore through play, and staff used those opportunities effectively. This gives play an educational purpose: children’s interests and activity become occasions for learning, rather than simply filling time between adult-led tasks.

Spoken language receives close attention. Adults build conversation into the activities they lead, helping children develop their speech as they take part. For a parent choosing a first educational setting, this is a meaningful emphasis: children develop spoken language while taking part in activities led by adults.

The early years foundation stage is the curriculum framework for this stage of education. Here, its concrete strengths in July 2023 included children’s curiosity, enjoyment, concentration and developing fine motor skills. These findings describe children engaging with activities and persisting with them, alongside developing control of small movements.

Progress was excellent across early years at that point. The combination of purposeful play and adult support gave children preparation for their next educational stage. This is a picture of the school’s early years as a whole, with the nursery forming part of that provision.

Settling was a strength in July 2023. The youngest children became comfortable quickly and responded eagerly to skilled staff support. For families beginning nursery, that matters alongside the curriculum: children need to feel settled enough to participate in what adults offer.

Adult involvement also connects care with learning. Staff support helped children engage enthusiastically, while activities gave adults opportunities to develop their spoken language. The evidence of enjoyment and sustained attention adds substance to that picture of children becoming comfortable and involved.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place at Five Spires Academy. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process, meeting the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and obtaining a school place as separate decisions.

Preparation for the next stage is an educational question alongside that admissions distinction. In July 2023, early years children made excellent progress and were well prepared to move forward. That preparation does not itself establish any admission entitlement.

The school is at Cherry Orchard, Lichfield, WS14 9AN. Contact Five Spires Academy on 01543 223680. School open events offer an opportunity to meet the team and explore the school, with a booking option for families.