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Nursery at Silverdale Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mud-kitchen ice cream, clapped rhythms and stories give Silverdale’s nursery its character: learning starts with play and conversation. This is Silverdale Primary Academy’s own nursery in Silverdale, Newcastle-under-Lyme. Children enter in September after their third birthday, joining the school’s early years provision.
Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 17 and 18 October 2023. That judgement covered early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Activities suited children’s needs, and adult conversation helped children build independence and language. For parents, the strongest detail is the connection between purposeful play and learning to communicate.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the curriculum. In everyday terms, children learn through play, relationships and practical experiences, with attention to movement, communication and emotional development alongside early mathematics, literacy, creativity and understanding their surroundings. Adults plan some activities; children choose and lead others. Observations of their interests and development help shape what comes next.
Inside and outside are connected through free-flow play. The classroom and outdoor learning space were engaging in October 2023, with the mud kitchen providing a concrete example: children pretending to make ice cream practised asking another person about their preferred flavour. Play gives conversation a purpose.
Early reading begins with listening. Nursery children explore sounds through instruments, singing, rhyming stories and clapping, with small-group activities developing awareness of how spoken words sound. Sand moulds provide another way to investigate letters. This is preparation through play, with opportunities to hear patterns and experiment with sounds before formal reading instruction.
Creative work also follows children’s interests. Exploring materials and taking part in arts activities gives children ways to express ideas beyond speech. Across the day, adults join play to extend thinking, while group activities add opportunities to learn together.
Settling begins before the full routine. Children have introductory nursery sessions, while families receive welcome packs and attend a meet-and-greet with staff. A photo booklet and an All about me book help connect the new setting with the child’s own experiences. Transitions are adapted for children with additional needs, with previous settings and professionals involved.
Class Dojo gives parents access to individual learning profiles, where they can comment and contribute observations from home. Staff also keep examples of creative work and mark-making. Consultation meetings create another opportunity to discuss development, while the early years team reviews progress and plans individual or group support. Early identification of additional needs involves parents and outside agencies.
Morning social snack includes toast for early years children unless a different arrangement is agreed with the class teacher. The school kitchen also prepares hot lunches on a rotating menu, with sandwiches and jacket potatoes as alternatives. Families with dietary or allergy requirements can discuss catering with the office.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must submit a separate application through Staffordshire Admissions, online or using a paper form, even when their child already attends the nursery. The application period runs between November and January; use Staffordshire County Council’s closing date for the relevant entry year.
Familiarity is a separate benefit from admission. Children take part in Reception transition sessions to get to know the setting and adults. Bespoke arrangements for additional needs support that change, but do not replace the application process.
The nursery uniform includes a jade green polo shirt; a logo is optional. This gives families flexibility when choosing that item.
Nursery applications can be submitted online or on paper to the academy at Racecourse, Silverdale, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 6PB. To book a school tour, contact the office on 01782 973780. Families can discuss dietary requirements with the same office and ask the school for current meal charges.
Children start in September after their third birthday, in the academic year in which they turn four.
Nursery children practise listening through rhymes, singing, instruments and clapped rhythms. Small-group activities help them recognise and explore sounds.
Parents can view and contribute to their child’s Class Dojo profile, add observations from home and attend consultation meetings.
No. Parents must apply separately through Staffordshire Admissions, including when their child already attends the nursery.
Contact the school office on 01782 973780 to book a school tour.
