St Chad's CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Playing fields provide the backdrop to St Chad’s nursery, which sits behind the main school in Lichfield. There are 24 morning and afternoon places. This is provision within a Church of England primary school, with learning through play and children’s interests shaping its early years curriculum.

Nursery and Reception staff plan together. That gives the nursery a connection to the school’s early years team, while its morning, afternoon and all-day sessions give families three different lengths of nursery day.

Children’s interests help determine what they explore. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum brings together seven areas of learning, with books, conversation and play providing ways to develop understanding. Adults respond to individual needs rather than expecting children to develop at an identical pace. For parents, the emphasis is on learning through meaningful activity and interaction.

Texts provide a starting point for building vocabulary. The nursery and Reception team organise learning around books, so language development runs through the curriculum rather than standing apart from other activities. The school aims to encourage curiosity and creativity through this approach, adapting learning to children’s interests.

Outdoor learning has a named place here: Forest School includes nursery children. Its activities give children opportunities to solve problems, play alongside others and explore nature across the seasons. In December 2024, Ofsted described nursery children taking weekly welly walks, with adults explaining the natural surroundings. That connects outdoor exploration with learning new words and understanding the local environment.

Talking about feelings is part of early years learning. In December 2024, Ofsted found that staff developed children’s speech and vocabulary using their mini-me to discuss emotions. This gives children a concrete focus for expressing how they feel.

For additional learning needs, the school uses adapted teaching, scaffolding and focused practice, with activities and resources matched to the child’s starting point. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher first. Following adjustments, the school recommends approximately six weeks to assess progress before considering further support through the SEND coordinator. This gives families a sequence for discussing concerns and reviewing the response.

Parents can also arrange a meeting or telephone conversation with class teachers. Across the school, lunch choices include hot meals, the sandwich bar and food brought from home; menus follow a three-week rotation.

Attending St Chad’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. St Chad’s follows Staffordshire’s school admission arrangements, so choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

The collaboration between nursery and Reception staff concerns curriculum planning. It should be understood as a connection between teaching teams, rather than an assurance about admission.

Morning sessions run from 8:45 to 11:45. Afternoon sessions start at 11:45 and finish at 15:00, while the all-day option runs from 8:45 to 15:00. The afternoon therefore begins at the point the morning session ends, a useful distinction when planning collection around other commitments.

Nursery enquiries can be made by calling 01543 226080 or emailing office@st-chads-lichfield.staffs.sch.uk. The nursery is on the school site at St Michael Road, Lichfield, WS13 6SN.