Fradley Park Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Daily time in the forest area and opportunities to show parents around the classroom give Fradley Park’s nursery a distinctive mix of exploration and responsibility. This is provision for rising fours within the primary school, led by a qualified teacher. The opening arrangements specified 26 nursery places.

In February 2025, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Nursery-specific findings give it substance: children were developing confidence, tackling everyday tasks independently and becoming familiar enough with stories to retell them.

Forest School is a daily part of nursery life. Qualified practitioners organise the learning, with the forest area providing space for practical exploration, observation and reflection. Children can help decide both their activities and how to approach them. The school aims to develop confidence through manageable challenges, making outdoor learning more than a break from the classroom.

Indoors, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum uses broad themes adapted to the children in the group. Learning progresses across its different areas, while adults support each child’s next steps during ongoing play and activity. This gives children opportunities to pursue their interests with adult guidance rather than relying entirely on whole-group instruction.

Alongside the Outstanding early years judgement, the February 2025 inspection asked the school to improve consistency in task design, checks on understanding and adjustments to teaching. It also asked the school to clarify essential knowledge in a small number of subjects. These were school-wide improvement points, rather than separate nursery judgements.

Stories have a clear purpose here. In February 2025, nursery children could recount The Gruffalo with confidence, showing understanding beyond simply enjoying a familiar book. Rhymes and listening to stories were part of that foundation. Everyday independence mattered too: children learnt to manage their coats and choose learning materials for themselves.

The nursery classroom sits within a wider school experience. Children use the library and halls each week, join assemblies and play with Reception children in the main playground. These shared spaces introduce them to school life gradually. Giving parents classroom tours also lets nursery children take responsibility for explaining their own surroundings.

A qualified teacher leads the nursery, and the school team includes an Early Years Professional. The assistant headteacher also holds the Early Years Lead and SENDCO roles, linking oversight of early learning with special educational needs and disabilities support.

Preparation includes conversations with parents before children start and an information pack. Once children attend, Tapestry records learning through photographs, video and observations; parents can contribute their own comments and pictures. It gives families a practical way to connect experiences at home with activities in nursery.

Two parent consultations each year provide time to discuss progress and next steps, followed by a written report at year end. Early years staff approach parents promptly if they have concerns about a child’s progress. In February 2025, clear nursery routines helped children understand behavioural expectations from the start.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local-authority process and meet the deadline for their entry year.

Conditional priority. For the 2022 admissions cycle, nursery attendance counted towards priority only for children receiving the Early Years Pupil Premium. It was not a preference for every nursery child. Families should distinguish that dated arrangement from the rules governing their own Reception application.

Sharing playground time with Reception children, joining assemblies and using school spaces are useful preparation for the change. Familiarity supports the transition; it does not determine admission.

Three session options structure the nursery day: mornings run from 09:00 to 12:00, afternoons from 12:00 to 15:00, and full days from 09:00 to 15:00. The half-day options last three hours, while a full day lasts six.

For enquiries, contact fps-office@fps.jtmat.co.uk or call 01543 761030. The school is on Murphy Street, Fradley, Lichfield, WS13 8TW. Label clothing with the child’s name and class. For Forest School sessions, practical outdoor clothes and wellington boots are required; a waterproof suit can be provided if needed.