Hempstalls Primary School Nursery Review

Weekly swimming gives Hempstalls’ youngest children an unusually active start to school life. Caterpillars caters for ages 2-3, while Butterflies is the nursery for ages 3-4. Both belong to the school’s Early Years department in Cross Heath, Newcastle-under-Lyme. These are two stages of provision, with activities tailored to younger children alongside the nursery curriculum.

At the Ofsted inspection on 8 and 9 October 2024, early years provision received a Good judgement. That covers the school’s early years department rather than a separately graded nursery.

Play and adult-guided activities share the day. The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum brings together language, physical development and relationships with early literacy, maths, creativity and learning about the world. Children explore indoors and outside, with staff modelling vocabulary and making time for conversation. One practical activity involves making a boat for a favourite toy, choosing materials and trying out ideas. It gives children something concrete to investigate and discuss.

Movement has several forms here. Caterpillars children have Rhythm Time, forest school and Cool Cats physical development sessions alongside swimming. Butterflies also includes Cool Cats and forest school, with weekly swimming in the school’s own pool. Swimming lessons last 30 minutes from age two; ASM sport delivers a weekly PE session to the younger provision and nursery, with Early Years staff participating. Physical activity is a recurring part of learning.

Books are woven through play, too. The reading area can be used during daily free flow, and its books change regularly. Nursery phonics focuses on Phase 1: listening closely, noticing sounds and practising spoken blending and segmenting. The school uses Little Wandle Letters and Sounds. Maths combines objects, songs and games, with nursery work focusing on numbers 1 to 5 and a brief daily teaching input. Squiggle While You Wiggle adds music and large movements before children transfer those movements into marks with pencils or crayons.

Settling starts with a home visit. This gives parents a private opportunity to discuss their child’s needs in familiar surroundings. A key person builds a relationship with each child and gets to know their interests, helping staff plan around the individual rather than just the group.

Learning book, the online journal, lets families and staff exchange examples of learning and achievements. Parents can also join workshops and watch me learn sessions. Children practise putting feelings into words and responding to emotions. For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, the school involves parents in planning and reviewing progress, giving families a role in decisions about support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application, including when a child already attends the nursery or has an older sibling at Hempstalls. Applications go through Staffordshire County Council, online or on paper. The application window runs between November and January; families should check the council’s closing date for their intended intake and apply on time.

Caterpillars families can combine morning and afternoon sessions. Nursery sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am and from 11:45am to 2:45pm. Butterflies children may qualify for 15 or 30 funded hours. Caterpillars has Think2 funded places for eligible two-year-olds, starting from the term after their second birthday, and paid places are also offered.

Enquiries go to the school office on 01782 950082 or office@hempstalls.staffs.sch.uk. Families can register interest in a school visit and receive dates by email. Early Years uniform includes a pale blue polo shirt, and families can request pre-loved uniform from the school’s stock.