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 Gabriel's CofE Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A dedicated nursery teacher and a day built around language, independence and early learning give St Gabriel’s nursery its school-based character. Children can join from their third birthday, within the Church of England primary school on Houlton Way in Houlton, Rugby. This is the school’s own nursery class, with a nursery classroom rather than a separate childcare setting.
Ofsted rated the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection of 7 and 8 February 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Adult-guided activities share the early years day with learning children choose themselves. Adults support the classroom environment daily, so independent activity remains part of the planned learning. For parents, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here means attention to speaking, relationships and managing feelings alongside physical development, early reading and number work.
The nursery curriculum also includes making things with materials, imaginative expression and exploring the natural world. These sit alongside learning about people and communities, giving children more to investigate than letters and numbers alone. Across early years, literacy, numeracy and phonics have timetabled teaching, while other learning develops through the classroom environment.
Stories have a clear place. In February 2023, daily reading of carefully chosen books helped children joining nursery or Reception develop enthusiasm for reading. Music in early years is taught by class teachers and also forms part of the activities available for children to explore. Nursery children sing Christmas classics in an annual performance for families and fellow pupils, giving their singing a shared occasion.
A nursery teacher works alongside nursery teaching assistants. The nursery aims to help children become comfortable with school life as they prepare for their next stage. Before applying, families on the waiting list are invited to an open event or nursery tour approximately one to three months before their relevant application window. This gives parents an opportunity to meet the team and discuss session choices.
For additional needs, the school’s SEND coordinator and learning support team work with families, teachers and outside agencies. Support can include help in the classroom, specialist teacher advice or consultation with an educational psychologist. Parents with developmental concerns should begin with their child’s teacher.
Communication deserves attention. In February 2023, school-wide improvement actions included clearer explanations to parents about behaviour and SEND support, alongside better checking of remembered knowledge in some subjects. Families can raise concerns first with the class teacher, then with the early years lead if they remain unresolved.
A lunchtime meal can be purchased for nursery children. AiP provides the school’s catering, with a rotating menu including vegetarian and meat choices, pasta or jacket potatoes, and sandwiches. Alternative allergy menus are shared directly with families, helping parents discuss suitable food before choosing meals.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. For September 2026 entry, applications went through Warwickshire Admissions and the standard closing date was 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past.
The nursery is closely connected to the school and aims to support the move into Reception. Familiarity with school life is a transition benefit, not a secured place: keep the Reception application separate from nursery enrolment.
The nursery operates for 38 weeks each year, following school terms and closing on teacher training days. Morning sessions run from 8:30am until 11:30am; afternoons run from 12:30pm until 3:30pm. A lunch hour bridges them from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Attendance must total at least 15 hours, or five sessions, each week.
Both 15-hour and 30-hour funded entitlements are accepted, and funded hours can cover sessions or lunch hours. Families receiving the full 30-hour working parent entitlement can use 9:30am to 3:30pm each day without additional attendance charges, although purchasing a lunchtime meal costs extra. An optional earlier hour and attendance beyond funded entitlement are charged. Ask the school for current charges.
Funding begins in the school term following a child’s third birthday; funding applications must be made in the preceding term. Nursery enquiries go to childcare@stgabrielscofeacademy.org. Joining the waiting list expresses interest; consideration for a place requires an application within the relevant window.
Children are accepted from their third birthday. Early years funding starts from the beginning of the following school term.
Morning sessions are 8:30am to 11:30am and afternoon sessions are 12:30pm to 3:30pm, with a lunch hour between 11:30am and 12:30pm.
Yes. Funded entitlement can be used for lunch hours as well as sessions. Purchasing a lunchtime meal is a separate extra.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. The September 2026 cycle used Warwickshire Admissions, with a standard deadline of 15 January 2026.
Email childcare@stgabrielscofeacademy.org with your name, your child’s name and date of birth, your email address and a contact telephone number. Waiting-list registration does not guarantee a nursery place.
