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Nursery at Hayes Meadow 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A purpose-built nursery and all-weather Forest School give Hayes Meadow's youngest children space for both classroom learning and outdoor exploration. The early years provision has two age groups: Nursery for ages 2–3 and Pre-school for ages 3–4. Both sit within Hayes Meadow Primary School in Rugeley, Staffordshire.
Morning, afternoon and all-day sessions offer different ways to organise the nursery day. Breakfast Club also admits children from age 2, making an earlier start possible for families who need it.
Play and planned activities work together here. Development Matters guides the early years curriculum, with teaching shaped around children's existing experiences and their developing skills. In parent terms, the focus includes learning to communicate, enjoying books, beginning to write and understanding numbers through practical activity.
In October 2023, Ofsted found that planning took account of the developmental needs of children aged two, three and four. Adults extended vocabulary through conversation, encouraged children to participate in stories and helped them practise taking turns. Counting objects, number songs and pencil work gave children concrete ways to develop early mathematical and writing skills.
Outdoor learning has a named approach: Forest School. Nursery children are included in provision delivered by trained staff, and sessions continue across the seasons. Exploring plants and wildlife and building dens are among the activities across the school's Forest School programme. Regular sessions give outdoor discovery a continuing place in learning rather than making it an occasional outing.
Early reading. The October 2023 inspection identified uneven staff expertise in phonics across the school, which slowed some pupils' progress. Consistency in teaching early reading is therefore a useful point for families to discuss.
Language support connects directly with the nursery's learning. In October 2023, children in the early years who needed additional help, including speech and language support, received it. Parents also have speech and language resources and support with toilet training, giving them practical ways to help at home.
The school's Child and Family Support provision includes individual nurture sessions, small-group work and help with transitions. Families can receive support with sleep, play and mealtime routines, as well as changes such as bereavement or a new baby.
Edwards and Ward provides the school's catering. Catering staff accommodate allergies and individual dietary needs, and daily choices include sandwiches. These are school catering arrangements rather than a statement of nursery meal entitlement.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions process. Hayes Meadow follows Staffordshire's admissions route, so choosing the nursery should remain a separate decision from applying for a school place.
The morning session runs from 8.45am to noon; afternoons run from noon to 3pm. The all-day option starts at 9am and finishes at 3pm. Its later start matters when planning the morning journey.
Breakfast Club runs Monday to Friday, 7.30–8.45am, while After School Club continues until 6pm. Both require advance booking through ParentPay Clubs, payment when booking and a completed registration form. After-school assistants collect early years children from their classrooms.
Nursery clothing is practical: a blue sweater with black leggings or jogging bottoms is encouraged. Children need named wellingtons and a named coat; a waterproof suit is requested where possible. This supports outdoor play in changing weather.
Contact the office on 01543 490616 or office@hayesmeadow.staffs.sch.uk for enquiries. School tours can be arranged through the office. Refer to the school for current charges.
Nursery covers ages 2–3, and Pre-school covers ages 3–4.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to noon, afternoon sessions from noon to 3pm, and all-day sessions from 9am to 3pm.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal Staffordshire school admissions route.
Yes, from age 2. It runs Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 8.45am. Advance booking through ParentPay Clubs, payment when booking and a registration form are required.
A blue sweater with black jogging bottoms or leggings is encouraged. Bring named wellingtons and a named coat, plus a waterproof suit where possible.
