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Nursery at Lichfield Cathedral 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest School, music and a rural Longdon setting give this nursery its character. Lichfield Cathedral School’s provision welcomes children aged 2 to 4 at its junior campus in Longdon Green, rather than at the Cathedral Close site. That distinction matters for the daily journey: the nursery sits at Green Gables, just off the A51, with parking on site.
This is the nursery of an independent school. Its approach centres on play, investigation and children making choices, with teachers working across all rooms. Families seeking childcare beyond school terms have a concrete practical attraction here: the nursery operates for 50 weeks each year.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. In parent terms, that means developing conversation, movement and relationships alongside early reading, number skills, understanding the world and creative expression. Children explore counting and shapes, connect letters with sounds, and use art, dance and role play to express ideas. The nursery describes inquiry and active play as its approach, giving children opportunities to investigate rather than simply receive instructions.
Forest School sits alongside drama, sport and music in the enrichment programme. A Pirate Day celebration brought Nursery and Pre-Reception children together for songs, games and a hunt following treasure clues. It is a specific example of imaginative activity combining movement, language and shared play. Indoors, the pre-Reception role play area was used as a veterinary surgery during February 2025: children pretended to treat ill animals, exploring how people help others.
The February 2025 ISI inspection found that early years staff used assessment effectively to adapt teaching, with children making good progress. Activities followed children’s interests, and parents helped staff shape learning around individual needs. The practical implication is teaching that responds to a child’s development, rather than expecting everyone to move at an identical pace.
Daily conversations with parents are backed by stay and play sessions and Parents’ Evenings. Those provide opportunities to share concerns and discuss progress while families become familiar with nursery life. The nursery says its support begins with the child’s initial visit, making the start of the relationship part of its care approach.
In February 2025, early years staff offered prompt help when developmental concerns arose. They also used colour monsters to help children recognise emotions and describe their feelings. Required staffing ratios were maintained, and every early years staff member held paediatric first aid training.
Accent provides the school’s catering, using a lunch menu that rotates over three weeks and includes vegetarian choices, soup, salads and fruit. Families can discuss dietary requirements with the catering manager. Allergies. The school has a nut-free policy, but preparation areas may contain allergens and traces of nuts. Families managing allergies need to account for that qualification.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process; choosing nursery should remain a decision about the child’s present care and learning.
Preparation for change is a separate matter. Early years personal, social and emotional learning includes additional transition lessons in the Trinity term, supported by books such as Ruby’s Worries and The Colour Monster. These give children a way to discuss feelings about change, rather than conferring an admissions advantage.
Monday to Friday wraparound care runs from 7.30am to 5.30pm. Children usually attend at least five nursery sessions each week. Families can configure days and hours, with optional extras selected separately; additional sessions require at least 24 hours’ notice and attract a surcharge. Ask the school for current charges.
Eligible working parents can access up to 30 funded hours weekly over 38 weeks, beginning from nursery at age 2 and continuing until age 5. All families with children aged 3 and 4 retain 15 universal funded hours over 38 weeks. The nursery’s 50-week operation and the funding period are different, so families should consider the whole year when budgeting.
To arrange a nursery visit, contact Admissions on 01543 306168. A tour offers a practical opportunity to see the Longdon provision and meet the team.
The nursery welcomes children aged 2 to 4 at the Longdon campus.
Yes. It operates for 50 weeks each year, with Monday to Friday wraparound care from 7.30am to 5.30pm.
Children usually attend at least five sessions each week. Additional sessions can be booked with at least 24 hours’ notice and carry a surcharge.
Eligible working parents can use up to 30 hours per week over 38 weeks, from nursery at age 2 until age 5. Children aged 3 and 4 have 15 universal funded hours over 38 weeks. Contact the school for current charges and the cost of optional extras.
No. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate, and families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process.
