The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at St Stephen's 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, language and a garden give Troll Class its character. The nursery occupies the Foundation Stage Unit at St Stephen's CofE First School in Redditch, with a classroom and garden for learning. Children become eligible for funded provision from the term after their third birthday. The school aims to build independence and enjoyment of learning through play, starting with children's existing experiences.
For 2024-2025, the nursery had 26 morning places, with a teacher supported by a teaching assistant. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 March 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Children's interests help shape the learning, while a theme each half term gives activities a common thread. Marvellous Me begins the autumn, followed by Light and Dark; spring brings Mega Machines and Long, Long Ago. Summer moves from Once Upon a Time to We're Going on a Bug Hunt. The nursery aims to revisit earlier learning through these themes, giving children opportunities to practise developing skills.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical form through play, communication and movement. WellComm assesses language development and helps staff build children's communication skills. Hanen training supports adults in matching their help to a child's developmental stage. This gives language learning a specific structure alongside the activities children choose.
Daily phonics includes exploring sounds, singing for rhyme and rhythm, and simple games. These are early steps towards reading. Kinetic Letters links the development of large and small movements to later handwriting. The classroom and garden provide indoor and outdoor learning spaces; in March 2024, early years forest school experiences also helped children develop resilience.
Relationships with families support the start of nursery life. In March 2024, children settled promptly and grew in confidence, helped by those relationships and predictable routines. Adults supported learning through varied activities, with clear expectations giving children a consistent framework for the day.
Seesaw and Tapestry connect learning at nursery with home. Staff share activities with parents, who can also contribute their child's experiences outside school. Families receive their login details when their child starts, making this a two-way exchange rather than simply a stream of updates.
For children with additional needs, the school's SEND arrangements involve parents in discussions and draw on specialist advice when needed, including Speech and Language Therapy and the Complex Communication Needs team. Learning spaces across the school are on a single level, and there is an accessible toilet. These are concrete accessibility features for families considering physical needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For entry in September 2027, attending nursery confers no priority: families must make a separate application using their home local authority's Common Application Form, received by 15 January. Worcestershire residents can apply online through Worcestershire County Council. Keep that application separate from nursery arrangements.
Learning preparation is a different matter. Towards the end of the nursery year, children encounter elements of Read, Write Inc. This introduces aspects of the phonics approach they will meet next, building on the sound games and songs already woven into nursery learning.
Mornings run from 8:40 to 11:55 every weekday, totalling 16 1/4 hours a week. Attendance is free. The funded entitlement described for this provision is 15 hours, beginning in the term after a child turns three.
Holly Trees Day Nursery, at the children's centre on the school site, may provide an additional 15 funded hours for children eligible for 30 hours, or wraparound care. That availability is conditional, so families needing a longer day should consider both arrangements together. Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 01527 63911.
From the term after they turn three, children are eligible for 15 hours of funded nursery provision.
The nursery runs from 8:40 to 11:55 every weekday, providing 16 1/4 hours each week. There is no attendance charge.
Seesaw and Tapestry allow staff to share learning and families to contribute activities from home. Login details are sent when children start.
Holly Trees Day Nursery on the school site may offer an additional 15 funded hours if your child is eligible for 30 hours, or wraparound care.
No. Nursery attendance gives no priority for September 2027 entry. A separate Common Application Form must reach your home local authority by 15 January.
