St John's CofE Primary Academy Nursery Review

Indoor and outdoor learning, with activities adapted to children's interests and needs, shapes the early years offer at St John's CofE Primary Academy in Keele. Nursery provision is for 3-year-olds, within a Church of England primary school on Quarry Bank Road. The school describes Faith, Hope and Love as the values guiding its daily life.

This is nursery provision within the academy. For families considering a start here, the useful distinction is between joining the nursery and securing a later school place: these are separate applications.

Children's interests help shape their learning. In the early years classes, activities are differentiated, meaning that children can tackle learning in ways adjusted to their needs. Regular checks track children's progress. The practical emphasis is on adapting what children do, rather than expecting everyone to approach an activity identically.

Learning takes place indoors and outdoors. Those environments sit alongside regular conversations with parents, giving staff information about the child beyond what they observe in class. Where additional help is needed, SEN Support Plans set individual targets and are shared with families. That links everyday activities to specific next steps for the child.

Preparation starts with a conversation. When a child joins nursery, staff speak with parents and previous settings about existing assessments, professional involvement and any concerns. For children joining the early years in September, summer visits are arranged; parents are also invited to a meeting about routines and supporting their child. Home visits can be made, and further visits are arranged where necessary.

Additional needs have a defined process. A teacher raises concerns with parents, then the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) advises on strategies and reviews whether further support is needed. SEN Support Plans describe needs, targets and provision; reviews usually happen termly and include parents' views.

The school has a disabled toilet with a changing table. For medical needs, care planning involves families. Care planning gives families a role in agreeing support for their child's medical needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no advantage to the application. Parents must apply separately through the normal coordinated admissions process, with preferences handled centrally by the School Admissions and Transport Service. Treat that application as a separate task, even if your child already attends nursery.

Class changes involve staff handovers and the sharing of individual support plans. Where a child needs extra help with the move, arrangements can include photographs of new staff to take home or additional sessions with them. Familiarity supports transition; it does not alter admission rights.

The school office handles nursery applications and enquiries. Contact office@stjohnsce.sbmat.org or telephone 01782 987140. School tours can be arranged through the office, giving families an opportunity to discuss joining the nursery.

There are nursery admission points at the beginning of the autumn, spring and summer terms. This gives families more than one starting point during the academic year, with nursery applications managed separately from Reception applications.