Wargrave CofE Primary School Nursery

Rhythm, rhyme and creative expression give Wargrave’s youngest children a starting point for learning. The provision combines a Nursery class with care for two-year-olds, within the Church of England primary school on Bradlegh Road in Newton-le-Willows. Children can join the younger provision on their second birthday; the maintained nursery also takes three- and four-year-olds. Its governing body manages it.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 26 and 27 November 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Listening comes before formal reading. In November 2024, children in both the Nursery class and the younger provision were developing their ability to recognise rhyme and rhythm. This gives families a concrete picture of early literacy here: learning to notice patterns in spoken sounds prepares children for later phonics.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum also includes creative expression. Art begins with the named approach I am an artist, giving younger children opportunities to express ideas creatively. Music starts in early years too, with listening, singing and opportunities to make and perform music. The school gives children access to instruments, including glockenspiels and untuned percussion. These are practical ways to explore sound alongside the listening skills used in early reading.

Religious education begins with children thinking about themselves and other people. This connects the youngest children’s learning to the school’s Christian character through familiar experiences and relationships.

Learning expectations. In November 2024, some curriculum content needed greater precision, while expectations for handwriting and grammar needed strengthening from early years onwards. These improvement points matter alongside the positive early reading findings: preparation for writing deserves attention too.

Early years has teaching staff and a learning support team within the school’s staffing structure. For children who need additional help, the school’s SEND information describes support aimed at individual learning targets. Families can contact the office to arrange a conversation with the SENCo, providing a route to discuss their child’s needs before joining.

Visits can also be arranged through the school office. For parents considering the provision, this offers an opportunity to meet staff and discuss the move into nursery.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal school admissions process. The school directs parents to St Helens’ online admissions service.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past; it should not be treated as the deadline for a later intake. Choosing nursery and applying for Reception remain separate decisions.

Morning or afternoon attendance normally runs across five days each week. Families receive their child’s session times after the local authority allocates a place. The funding pattern described is 15 hours each week over 38 weeks; some children qualify for a 30-hour entitlement.

Additional nursery wraparound care operates between 8am and 6pm, with charges for extra hours. The two-year-old provision also offers childcare across those hours. Contact the school for current charges. Application packs for the younger provision come from the office, which also arranges visits on 01744 678720.

Nursery clothing is practical: blue jogging bottoms, a white polo and a navy cardigan or jumper, with an optional logo. Footwear should be dark, comfortable and grippy. A donated uniform shop in the school’s front entrance supplies free items to families who need them, offering another way to obtain clothing.