Moreton Say CofE Primary School Nursery Review

A forest on the school grounds gives Ercall Nursery Class a distinctive setting for early learning. The nursery belongs to Moreton Say CofE Primary School, near Market Drayton, with classroom learning, outdoor spaces and a forest school environment forming its early years provision. For children who enjoy exploring, the outdoors is part of their learning rather than simply a break from it.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 6 and 7 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Construction, art, role play, blocks and small-world play have defined classroom spaces, with materials children can choose for themselves. This gives them opportunities to make decisions about their play and pursue an idea independently. Outside, the learning spaces and forest school environment extend the places where that exploration can happen.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about communication, relationships, movement, reading, mathematics, creativity and the world around children. Development Matters also informs planning, which is adapted around children's interests and needs. In June 2023, early years staff built learning from children's existing understanding and skills, with carefully planned steps helping children achieve well.

Little Wandle is the named phonics scheme. Stories and discussions about books sit alongside phonics and mathematics input, giving children ideas and knowledge to use in play they direct themselves. Books connect with other learning, too: the early years team uses selected texts to develop language and children's interest in reading. Parents can join Phonics and Reading Workshops and sessions where children share their learning with their families.

Settling involves parents as well as staff. Around 6 to 8 weeks after a child starts nursery, staff assess communication, physical development and social and emotional development. Parents complete a settling-in questionnaire, and both pieces of information shape subsequent support and learning. This creates a practical link between what families know about their child and what staff observe in nursery.

For two-year-olds, an EYFS progress check takes place before their third birthday. It considers development in those same three areas and helps identify concerns that may need joint work with parents or other professionals. In June 2023, children in early years settled successfully, and those needing extra help were identified promptly and received support.

Separate application. Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline, so choosing Ercall should remain a decision about the nursery experience itself.

Shropshire Local Authority is the school's admissions authority. Reception admissions enquiries can go to its Admissions Team on 0345 678 9008 or schooladmissions@shropshire.gov.uk. Keep that application separate from arrangements for attending nursery.

Nursery runs from 9am to 3pm. After the nursery day ends, wraparound care is available, with care closing at 6pm. That later finish can help families whose working day extends beyond the nursery session.

To arrange a personal tour, call the school on 01630 638 465. Nursery enquiries can also go to moretonsayadmin@addmorefed.shropshire.sch.uk. A visit gives families an opportunity to see the classroom and outdoor learning spaces before choosing the provision.