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Nursery at St Mary's CofE Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A conservatory, an AstroTurf play area and a morning Dough Disco give this nursery a distinct place within school life. St Mary's governor-run nursery belongs to Class 1, alongside Reception, in Mucklestone. Children become eligible in the term following their third birthday, with entry possible each autumn, spring and summer. The nursery offers up to 30 hours of provision.
Nursery children take part in the school's celebrations and events. This is an introduction to school routines and shared activities, with a classroom, conservatory and outdoor space forming their everyday learning environment.
The morning begins with activities at tables and registration, followed by Dough Disco to exercise fingers and hands. Nursery and Reception then have group phonics using Little Wandle. Stories, rhymes and literacy activities follow, giving children several ways to practise listening and language rather than relying on one kind of task.
Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum alongside Reception pupils. In everyday terms, learning includes communication, movement and relationships as well as early literacy, maths, creativity and discovering the world. Reading and writing areas are available for children to choose independently. Maths after break uses practical play materials and the outdoor space, so ideas can be explored through handling and doing.
At 10.30am, children join older pupils on the main playground for break. The early years outdoor area has an all-weather AstroTurf surface and a covered extension to the classroom; nursery children also have afternoon free flow on their own AstroTurf area. Outdoor learning therefore has a dedicated space as well as opportunities to mix with the wider school.
Afternoons include art, music, investigations and physical activity, with religious education contributing to the Church of England character. A shared story closes the day. That gives the session a quieter ending after its practical and creative activities.
Settling starts with family involvement: parents of new nursery children may accompany them into the classroom during their first few days. Tapestry is used in Class 1 to share observations and photographs with parents. Across the school, family finish sessions invite parents into class for an activity, while consultation sessions take place at three points in the academic year.
Food arrangements allow a packed lunch or a cooked meal, with fruit, vegetables and water accompanying the hot meal. Nursery children receive free milk. Families can send a healthy break-time snack or buy one through ParentPay; cooked lunches are also charged. The school is nut free, so food brought from home must exclude nuts and nut products.
Four teaching assistants support children across the school, working with teachers on individual and group needs. For SEND concerns, the class teacher is the first contact, with the special educational needs coordinator involved as needed. Support is planned and reviewed with parents. A school regulation corner and access to an adult for a check-in give children specific options when they need emotional support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer priority under the admission criteria. Families must make a separate Reception application through Staffordshire's school admissions route and meet the normal deadline for their intake. Sharing learning with Reception pupils is useful familiarity, but it does not change the admissions process.
For children with SEND, transition preparations can include pupil passports, additional visits and meetings with new staff. These arrangements address the child's needs separately from the allocation of a school place.
Morning sessions run from 8.40am to 11.40am; afternoons run from 12.20pm to 3.20pm. Extended hours requested beyond the 15-hour government-funded allocation are charged. Ask the school for current charges when arranging attendance.
Nursery uniform includes a pale blue polo shirt, no tie, and the option of navy jogging bottoms. Children need a named water bottle and a waterproof coat for outdoor activities. Full-day collection is from the Class 1 door behind the school at 3.20pm; an alternative collecting adult requires advance notice and a password.
Enquiries go to the school office on 01630 672126 or office@st-marys-mucklestone.staffs.sch.uk. Visits can be arranged by telephone appointment.
Children can join at the start of the autumn, spring or summer term following their third birthday.
Morning sessions are 8.40am to 11.40am, and afternoon sessions are 12.20pm to 3.20pm.
No. It neither guarantees a place nor confers admissions priority. A separate application is required through Staffordshire's school admissions route.
Extended hours requested beyond the 15-hour government-funded allocation are charged. The nursery offers up to 30 hours of provision; this is not a statement that all those hours are funded.
Parents of new nursery children may accompany them to the classroom during their first few days. Class 1 also uses Tapestry to communicate with families.
