St Stephen's Primary School Nursery

Outdoor play in every season gives St Stephen's Nursery a clear daily rhythm. A secure learning area outside sits alongside an indoor classroom and a reading corner, giving children space for movement, imaginative play and books. The nursery opened in January 2026 as part of St Stephen's Primary School in Fradley, extending the school's early years provision.

Play leads the learning, with adult direction woven into the session. Children choose activities themselves as well as joining planned work with staff. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework: developing conversation, movement and relationships alongside early reading, number skills, creativity and understanding the world. This means learning reaches beyond letters and counting to how children communicate and get along together.

Within the classroom, construction, pretend play and miniature worlds give children different ways to explore ideas. Sensory activities and creative work sit alongside early literacy and maths. The reading corner provides a place for books, while the outdoor area is used daily throughout the seasons. Children can also use other school facilities where appropriate.

A typical session moves between freely chosen indoor and outdoor play, work in small groups, songs and stories. Physical activity and imaginative challenges are part of that pattern, with a snack break providing time to spend with other children. Staff observe each child's learning and use those observations to decide what comes next. The balance gives children room to follow an interest while adults plan further steps around their development.

An EYFS-qualified nursery senior works alongside practitioners qualified at Level 2 and Level 3. Parents have daily contact with the team, plus updates about learning and observations of their child. Workshops and events provide further opportunities to take part. Across early years, Tapestry is used for weekly communication, giving families another connection with learning beyond the nursery session.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), nursery staff work with the school's SENCo on identifying needs early and arranging targeted help. Outside agencies can be involved where appropriate. This links the nursery team with wider support rather than leaving families to discuss additional needs only within the classroom.

Safeguarding follows the school's procedures, and nursery staff receive regular training in safeguarding and first aid. These are practical arrangements for the nursery's care of children, alongside its learning routines.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Choosing nursery care and applying for a school place are separate decisions.

Transition support concerns the child's needs rather than admission entitlement. The EYFS lead meets the nursery manager to discuss current nursery children and the support they may need for their next stage. For a child with additional needs, that staff discussion provides a way to pass on concerns and plan ahead. It does not secure a place.

Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons begin at 11:45am and finish at 2:45pm. An extended nursery session runs from 2:45pm to 3:30pm. Nursery wraparound care covers 7:30am to 6:00pm, giving families an option beyond the core sessions.

Eligible families can access places funded for 15 or 30 hours, with funding starting in the term following the child's third birthday. Core sessions and the extension carry separate charges; contact the school for current charges and to discuss funding eligibility and availability.

Children can join during the year when places are available. Visits can be arranged to meet the team and see the nursery spaces. For a place or a visit, call 01283 790268 or email nursery@st-stephens.staffs.sch.uk.