Forest Hills Primary School Nursery Review

Puppets, familiar stories and first sounds give Treetops Nursery its early learning character. This is Forest Hills Primary School’s nursery for children aged 3–4, forming part of the school’s Early Years unit in Rugeley. Play takes place indoors and outside, with children encouraged to make choices and try things for themselves.

In June 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. Established routines and affectionate relationships help children feel settled; learning through conversation is the area that needs further attention. That balance matters: there is a clear foundation for children’s daily experience, alongside a specific teaching priority.

Afternoon nursery runs Monday to Friday, finishing at 15:20. Within that pattern, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects children’s social development, communication and movement with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding their surroundings. In parent terms, learning to share, speak and manage small physical tasks belongs alongside exploring numbers and stories.

Little Wandle introduces nursery children to initial sounds. Books also have a practical role in the day: children hear stories, sing and use puppets to recreate familiar tales. These activities give them reasons to listen, join in and experiment with words. Kinetic Letters is the handwriting approach used in Early Years, bringing a named programme to the development of writing skills.

The June 2026 early years findings describe learning organised into manageable stages, shaped around what children already know. Physical development helps lay the groundwork for writing, while repeated practice supports independence. Staff demonstrate spoken language, but opportunities to extend children’s vocabulary are sometimes missed. More consistent language modelling across learning activities is the improvement priority, so the quality of everyday conversation deserves attention alongside the books and phonics.

Settling begins through home visits, meetings before children start and stay-and-play sessions. These give families several ways to become familiar with the setting and its staff. During the year, celebrations and workshops bring parents into Early Years life, while conversations before or after school provide a route for raising concerns.

A Nursery SEND Teaching Assistant forms part of the nursery team. The school aims to make learning accessible to children with special educational needs and disabilities. In June 2026, early years children shared materials and played together cooperatively, supported by caring adult relationships. For a young child learning to take turns, those everyday interactions are an important part of care.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline; choosing Treetops should therefore be treated as a nursery decision in its own right.

Transition support is a separate matter. Parents are invited to transition sessions, and children have opportunities to explore their next learning environment and get to know staff. Familiarity can help with the move, but it does not settle admission.

The office door opens at 12:20 for afternoon nursery, with the session ending at 15:20. This afternoon pattern is the practical starting point for planning family routines. For enquiries, contact the school office on 01889 370020 or email office@foresthillsprimary.co.uk. School visits can be arranged by contacting the school.