Stockingford Maintained Nursery School Review

A woodland Forest School and separate Little, Middle and Big Nursery groups give Stockingford a distinctive shape. This maintained nursery school on St Paul's Road in Nuneaton serves children aged 2–4; it is itself a nursery school, rather than a nursery classroom within a primary school. Qualified teachers work alongside early years practitioners.

Little Nursery takes children from the term following their second birthday. Middle Nursery provides a dedicated space for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Expansion is planned from April 2027. For families considering a place, the important distinction is between the nursery experience here and the separate move to primary school.

Play involves choices, conversation and practical exploration. Little Nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with learning adapted to individual children. In everyday terms, children practise expressing themselves, sharing play and taking turns while becoming more independent.

In June 2022, Ofsted found exceptionally strong progress, with teaching combining activities planned by adults and learning directed by children. Staff checked learning daily and adjusted their teaching. Language received close attention: children could explain vocabulary including nocturnal, overflow and minibeasts. Books, poetry and rhymes also featured, with daily reading and opportunities to practise phonics when children were ready. These experiences connect conversation and play with early literacy.

Outdoor learning has a specific home. Both Little and Big Nursery use the on-site woodland Forest School, reached through a side gate. In June 2022, children searched wooded areas for small creatures, experimented with dam building and paddled. Painting involved selecting brushes and paints. Climbing, balancing and wearing protective glasses for hammering also gave children practical experience of managing risk. There is room here for learning through movement and materials as well as talk.

The key person process and access to the leadership team give parents routes for discussing their child. In June 2022, children settled readily, adults helped them work through feelings, and relationships between children and staff were strong. Safeguarding was effective at that inspection, with staff recognising concerns and leaders involving other agencies when families needed help.

Middle Nursery combines an enhanced staffing ratio with individual learning and support for sensory regulation. Its SENDCO and SEND team focus on communication, physical and sensory needs, learning, and emotional development. The SENDCO also listens to parental concerns and coordinates support with external agencies. This gives families a route from an initial concern to targeted help.

Snack food and drinks are provided without charge. Big Nursery children staying for an extended day bring a packed lunch. Dietary and allergy information is gathered before children start, and allergy plans are reviewed with families and health professionals. During eating, direct supervision includes a member of staff trained in paediatric first aid and food hygiene. Fresh drinking water remains accessible to children.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet its deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and securing a primary school place as separate decisions.

Little Nursery runs during term time, with morning sessions from 8.45am to 11.45am and afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Big Nursery's usual extended day finishes at 2pm; eligible children can use Early Years Pupil Premium entitlement to stay until 3pm on that day.

For children aged 3–4, universal funding covers 15 hours without an application. A number of 30-hour places are offered to children eligible for Working Parent funding. Two-year-olds can access 2 help or Working Parent funding according to eligibility, with paid Little Nursery places also offered. Additional Big Nursery sessions depend on space. Contact the school for current charges.

Uniform is optional. General enquiries go to admin1041@welearn365.com or (024) 7638 3708, and visits can be arranged by telephone or at reception. Nursery applications can be completed electronically or on paper collected from reception.