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Nursery at Chancel 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Ducklings has a purpose-built room for two-year-olds; Puffins takes children from their third birthday. These are two distinct starting points within Chancel Primary School on Wolseley Road in Rugeley, with the school managing its own nursery provision. Puffins serves children aged three to four and offers both half-day and full-day care.
At the inspection on 4 and 5 March 2025, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Communication and language give early learning its direction here. In March 2025, children in the two-year-old provision made an exceptionally positive start, while nursery children continued to develop very well. Early learning gave substantial attention to helping children communicate, making language development a central part of their experience.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. For parents, the clearest features are children's growing independence, curiosity and engagement: all were exceptional in early years in March 2025. Expectations for behaviour began from the outset, supporting children's confidence as learners. The purpose-built Ducklings Room gives the youngest children a space designed for their age group.
A teacher works alongside a nursery nurse in Puffins. Staff hold suitable qualifications and have completed full DBS checks, placing teaching and care within the same team structure. Hot meals are available at an additional charge, and nursery staff can advise families about them.
For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school's SENCO can be contacted through the office. This gives parents a direct route to discuss support. Families can also seek help through the school office or their child's class teacher for concerns such as anxiety, confidence, emotions and bereavement.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place in Chancel's Reception class. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the deadline for their child's entry year.
For September 2025 entry, Reception applications went through Staffordshire County Council, while nursery applications were handled by the school. Keep the two applications separate in your planning: choosing Ducklings or Puffins is a decision about nursery care and learning, rather than securing the next school place.
Puffins offers three funded attendance patterns: five mornings, five afternoons, or two and a half days each week. Morning sessions run from 9am to noon; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. The longer pattern combines Monday and Tuesday, 9am to 3pm, with Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon with Thursday and Friday, 9am to 3pm.
From the term after a child's third birthday, a 15-hour funded place can be claimed; families meeting the eligibility criteria can claim 30 hours. Starting immediately after turning three is chargeable until funding applies. Ducklings accepts children after their second birthday, with possible funded hours from the following term, subject to eligibility.
Additional mornings, afternoons, lunchtimes and full days can be booked after funded sessions, subject to availability and charges. Before-school and after-school care extends the care window from 7.30am to 5.45pm. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery applications go through the school, with forms obtainable from the office. Enquiries can be made on 01889 228710 or at office@chancel.staffs.sch.uk.
Children can join Ducklings after their second birthday. Puffins accepts children after their third birthday and serves three- to four-year-olds.
Five mornings, five afternoons, or two and a half days each week. Morning sessions are 9am to noon and afternoons are 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Yes. Hot dinners carry an additional charge; nursery staff can advise families about them.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process, by the deadline for the relevant entry year.
Apply through the school. Forms are available from the office, which can be contacted on 01889 228710 or at office@chancel.staffs.sch.uk.
