Weaverham Forest Primary School Nursery Review

Conversation gives Weaverham Forest’s nursery its character. Role play, songs and shared stories put language first, while active play and familiar routines support children’s physical skills and independence. The provision includes two-year-olds and preschool children, within Weaverham Forest Primary School on Forest Street in Weaverham.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 21 and 22 June 2022, including positive findings about preparation for the next stage for two-year-olds. This is an early years judgement within the school’s inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the requirements for young children’s learning and care. It combines play, adult guidance and learning from other children. Here, the nursery curriculum gives greatest emphasis to speaking and understanding, emotional and social development, and physical skills: foundations for joining in and becoming more independent.

A book linked to the theme is selected each week, with different choices for preschool children and the younger group. Children practise familiar story sequences, contribute repeated phrases and play listening games. Planned themes include dinosaurs, transport and Diwali; staff can adapt themes around children’s interests and seasonal events. These give conversations something concrete to build on.

Active play works on larger movements and core strength, alongside hand and eye coordination for later writing. Adults model language and extend children’s ideas during play. For emotions and relationships, staff use conflict resolution scripts and Zones of Regulation, giving children support with routines, disagreements and feelings.

Ofsted’s June 2022 findings linked vocabulary development to songs, rhymes and staff conversation about children’s experiences. Inspectors also highlighted the social learning involved in playing together and taking turns. The emphasis was on learning to communicate and participate.

Parents contribute to an initial assessment of their child’s starting points. Staff then use observation and interaction to identify learning needs, with speech and language a particular focus. This connects what families know about their child with the support offered during nursery activities.

Lunch can come from home or be a school meal. The school meal option is charged, so it belongs in the family’s childcare budget alongside any paid sessions.

SEND partnership. The June 2022 whole-school findings included concerns that some parents of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities felt their views were overlooked and collaboration with staff needed strengthening. Families considering nursery should give the arrangements for discussing concerns and reviewing support careful attention. The school’s SEND page provides links to Cheshire West and Chester’s local offer and its SEND information report and policy for 2025-26.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Weaverham Forest. Families must make a separate application through Cheshire West and Chester Council’s normal admissions process for the September intake. Treat that application as a separate task from organising nursery sessions.

Preparation within nursery focuses on attention, vocabulary and independence. Familiar routines, listening games and supported relationships address the skills children will use in their next stage; they do not replace the admissions process.

Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, with afternoon sessions from noon to 3pm. Nursery opens at 8.45am. From age three, children can use Before School Club and After School Club; the latter closes at 5.30pm.

Funding is offered for 15 or 30 hours from the term following a child’s third birthday, subject to eligibility. Two-year-old funding is also offered for working parents and other qualifying circumstances. Paid morning and afternoon sessions are available; contact the office for current charges and funding enquiries.

For nursery enquiries, call 01606 226444 or email admin@weaverhamforest.cheshire.sch.uk. Let staff know if collection arrangements change or you are delayed. A shelter accommodates bikes and scooters, which must be dismounted before entering the grounds.