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Nursery at Weston-under-Penyard CofE Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An edible garden, a mud kitchen and stories brought into play give Hazel its character. Nursery children join the teacher-led early years unit at Weston-under-Penyard CofE Primary School from two years old, with indoor and outdoor classrooms and access to the school's hall and lending library. School life is part of their day from the start.
The early years provision met the Expected standard in June 2026. That judgement applies to early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children were engaged in purposeful activities connected to their learning, with patient adults helping them build confidence and independence.
Play has a clear learning purpose here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach combines exploring, persevering and developing ideas: children try things out, keep working through difficulties and make connections. Staff adjust the spaces as children's interests develop, giving their ideas somewhere to go.
Hazel has areas for imaginative play, construction, water and sand, alongside places to make marks and explore through the senses. Outside, the playground includes a garden, a small world area and a mud kitchen. Children tend edible plants and take part in Forest School at the community woodland site. These are practical opportunities to explore materials and the natural world.
Language runs through the day. Talk For Writing and Talk For Reading sit alongside songs, rhymes and storytelling, with puppets and story stones helping children retell what they hear. In June 2026, staff used everyday opportunities to expand children's vocabulary and speech; younger children practised remembering stories and repeating rhymes. This builds foundations for later reading.
Movement also prepares children for writing. Nursery uses Squiggle Whilst You Wriggle, while playdough, construction resources and mark-making give small hands plenty to practise. Mathematical ideas appear in cooking and setting up snack tables, with Snakes and Ladders bringing numbers into play. Learning grows out of familiar tasks.
A classroom teacher works with early years practitioners, supported by federation leaders. Settling sessions are part of joining, and conversations at the beginning and end of the day give parents a regular opportunity to exchange information. Seesaw carries observations and photographs home, so families can share in their child's experiences.
Food is also something children help create. At Café Sano, they prepare and eat healthy dishes; examples include vegetable wraps, smoothies and roasted squash. Food from different cultures is introduced during festivals and other celebrations, making preparation and tasting part of learning.
Speech and language screening, health visiting collaboration and paediatric osteopathy are among the early years support arrangements. Elklan-trained practitioners use visual prompts and signs with the youngest children. For additional needs, the school and nursery use graduated support and the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, allowing provision to be reconsidered as needs develop.
In June 2026, children practised sharing and taking turns, while kind, patient relationships with staff helped them feel secure. Everyday routines supported their growing independence.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet its deadline. Applications go through Herefordshire Admissions; families living in Gloucestershire contact Gloucestershire Admissions, which liaises with Herefordshire.
Familiarity is a separate benefit. Nursery and Reception share a setting, and the early years team organises joint learning, events and transition activities. Children can become accustomed to the surroundings and routines before moving on, but these arrangements do not secure admission.
Visits can be arranged by phoning the school office for a personalised tour and a meeting with the early years team. Contact 01989 563 933 or westonadmin@therwf.org.uk to make an enquiry. Early years wraparound care is offered.
For collection, younger children leave with a known adult. Inform the school beforehand if someone other than the named parent or carer will collect your child.
Children are welcomed from two years old into Hazel, the school's early years unit.
Children can use the garden and mud kitchen, tend edible plants and attend Forest School sessions at the community woodland site.
Staff make time for conversations at the start and end of the day. Observations are also shared through Seesaw, alongside verbal updates, writing and photographs.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions route. Herefordshire Admissions handles the route described for the school; Gloucestershire residents contact their own admissions team, which liaises with Herefordshire.
Phone the school office on 01989 563 933 to arrange a personalised tour and meet the early years staff.
