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Nursery at Elmley Castle CofE First School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest School and a playground of their own give Acorns Pre-school its character. This is Elmley Castle CofE First School's nursery provision, welcoming children once they have turned three, with entry possible throughout the academic year. The secured early years unit has its own toilets and playground, giving younger children a distinct base within the school.
Acorns also take part in the wider school day: they eat in the hall, join worship and share playtimes on the field. Familiarity with school life begins early. In April 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Children's interests shape the topics at Acorns. Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), learning combines play, conversation and activities that build the foundations for later education. In April 2026, adults extended children's play and helped them become confident, curious learners. Group learning sat alongside teaching tailored to children's ages, so the mixed early years provision retained a focus on different developmental stages.
Language gets sustained attention. Adults develop vocabulary through conversation, while stories and rhymes give pre-school children repeated experience of spoken language and early reading. Practical mathematics activities also helped early years children develop an understanding of numbers in April 2026. These are foundations children can use in their play as well as in adult-led learning.
Outdoors, EYFS children have a Forest School afternoon each week. The mud kitchen and pond provide concrete reasons to explore, experiment and talk; the wider grounds include vegetable patches, willow sculptures and a sheltered learning area. In April 2026, Forest School supported cooperation, independence and language. Outdoor learning has a clear educational purpose here.
Early years assistants form the Acorns team. Children joining early years were welcomed and became part of school life quickly in April 2026, while work with parents helped learning continue at home. Staff are available on the playground at the start and end of the day, offering families opportunities for direct conversation.
Lunch brings Acorns into the school hall. Meals are supplied by The Deli in Pershore, and lunchtime supervisors serve hot food and oversee children while they eat. This makes the meal a supported part of the day, as well as a shared school routine.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school aims to provide equal access to learning and physical access around the site. Families should discuss their child's needs with the team before joining, keeping those individual requirements central to planning.
Attending Acorns does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Worcestershire County Council's online school admissions route, by the normal deadline for their child's intake. Nursery enrolment and Reception allocation are separate decisions; the local authority makes the final admission decision.
Transition preparation is a different matter. Acorns plans progression across the year to support the move to Reception, and shared lunches, worship and field play already introduce children to school routines. Those experiences help with familiarity; they do not secure admission.
Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions are available, and pre-school children can use wraparound care. Breakfast Club begins at 8.00am during term-time weeks; after-school care runs until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Bookings require 24 hours' notice. After-school activities include construction, cooking and crafts, with a snack provided.
Eligible families can access 30 hours of provision. Contact the school office for current charges, session enquiries or a visit: office@elmleycastle.worcs.sch.uk or 01386 710279.
Thursday is Acorns' Forest School kit day. Long trousers and sleeves protect children during outdoor activities; wellies and waterproofs can stay at school. Label belongings clearly to help the team keep track of them.
Children can join once they have turned three, throughout the academic year.
Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions are available. Pre-school children can also attend wraparound care.
EYFS children have a weekly Forest School afternoon. Facilities include a mud kitchen and pond, alongside the early years unit's own playground.
No. Families need to apply separately through Worcestershire County Council's school admissions route. Final admission decisions rest with the local authority.
Yes. The nursery can provide 30 hours for families who meet the eligibility criteria.
