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Nursery at Stapeley Broad Lane 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 Core Story Book gives the preschool's learning a shared thread: many activities connect with the weekly Core Story Book, alongside opportunities for children to follow their own interests. Bluebell Preschool is the nursery provision at Stapeley Broad Lane CofE Primary School in Nantwich, bringing this early stage of learning into a primary school setting.
Early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 7 and 8 January 2025. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Books connect the activities, but children also make choices. Small groups work with an adult or teacher, while child-led activities give children time to explore ideas for themselves. Continuous provision means learning opportunities remain part of the environment, alongside the planned group work. This gives the day a balance between adult direction and children's own interests.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines care with learning and development. Here, its starting points are learning to communicate, becoming physically more capable, and developing relationships and confidence. These foundations are applied through maths, literacy, creative work and learning about the world. For parents, the emphasis is on how children speak, move, play and manage feelings, alongside what they learn.
Indoor and outdoor experiences support that learning, with stories and conversation complementing play. Visual timetables are used across the school's classrooms, giving children a visible sequence to refer to. In January 2025, nursery children enjoyed participating in familiar stories. There was also a curriculum concern: in some subjects, including parts of early years, the intended knowledge and skills lacked clarity, sometimes holding back children's learning. The school was asked to specify that learning more clearly.
Teaching assistant support forms part of the preschool team. In January 2025, children across early years became accustomed to school routines quickly, a useful indication for families thinking about the adjustment to a school setting.
For a child who needs additional help, the class teacher is the first contact, with the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) available through the office. Support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle, and parents take part in decisions about specialist involvement. The Cheshire East Autism Team is one source of advice for adapting learning and the environment.
Care can also be personalised. Where needed, a Personal Care Plan is developed with parents and medical professionals. Support may include a quieter lunchtime eating space or somewhere calmer during playtime. These arrangements make practical room for individual needs during the day, as well as during learning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority; for Cheshire East residents, this is Cheshire East School Admissions. Applications should be returned before 15 January for entry the following September.
For admissions from September 2026, preschool attendance does confer conditional priority. Children living in catchment who attend from the autumn term for the whole academic year preceding Reception fall within category 3. Catchment children without that qualifying attendance are category 4; qualifying preschool children outside catchment are category 5. Looked-after and previously looked-after children, then siblings, come earlier in the order. Distance decides priority where a category has more applicants than remaining places.
Preparation is separate from allocation. Once a Reception place is known, transition includes two sessions, discussion with parents about needs, and an inclusion plan if needed. Staff aim to visit the child's preschool setting and may arrange extra visits with key workers.
The school office handles enquiries on 01270 906124 or admin@stapeleybl.cheshire.sch.uk. Families can arrange a school visit through the office.
Before-school care starts at 7.30am and after-school care runs to 6pm. All age groups are welcome, but numbers are restricted and parents pay for attended sessions. One-off bookings require registration and an available place. This offers an option for extending care around the school day; contact the school for current charges.
The EYFS guides learning, with a weekly Core Story Book linking many activities. Adult-led small groups sit alongside activities children choose themselves.
Early years provision was graded Good on 7 and 8 January 2025. Children settled into routines quickly, but unclear essential knowledge and skills in some subjects sometimes held back children's learning, including in early years.
No. A separate application is required. For admissions from September 2026, attendance from the autumn term for the whole preceding academic year gives conditional priority, with different categories for catchment and non-catchment children.
Start with the class teacher. You can also arrange contact with the SENCO through the school office; parents are involved in planning support and specialist input.
Before-school care starts at 7.30am and after-school care runs to 6pm. Places are restricted, sessions are charged, and one-off bookings depend on registration and availability.
