The John Bamford Primary School Nursery

Welly walks, Dough Disco and stories that launch learning adventures give John Bamford’s nursery its character. Outdoor exploration and early communication run through the provision, with children choosing activities as well as learning alongside adults.

Children aged two and three can join throughout the year. The nursery sits within The John Bamford Primary School’s early years provision, where JB Tots, Nursery and Reception share spaces and staff plan together. That gives children familiar surroundings as they move between stages. Nursery teaching is led by a teacher whose qualifications include a BA in Early Years and a PGCE in Primary Education, alongside a nursery support team.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects physical development, relationships and communication with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Here, an Adventure Inspired Curriculum gives that learning a theme: a story or factual book introduces a question, then activities let children investigate it. Adult teaching sits alongside time to choose, explore and practise. Children can return to an activity rather than having to master it immediately.

Lenny Lion’s Learning Zoo introduces learning attitudes in Nursery and Tots. Role play and small-world activities give children reasons to talk, act out ideas and try new vocabulary. Children needing help with communication receive targeted activities and interventions.

Early reading starts with Phase 1 of Monster Phonics. The emphasis is on listening, distinguishing sounds and developing spoken language, preparing children to blend and separate sounds orally. Maths begins with numbers to five. Finger Gym/Dough Disco combines music with hand activities, while woodwork tools offer another way to develop fine motor control.

Outside, children use the EYFS Playground, Trim Trail, Forest School Area and Outdoor Classroom. Regular welly walks bring learning into the local surroundings. These are practical opportunities to move, investigate nature and learn about taking measured risks.

In June 2024, Ofsted found that early years learning captured children’s interest, with language development, stories, songs and thoughtfully arranged indoor and outdoor spaces supporting the curriculum. The same inspection identified inconsistent phonics teaching across the school and insufficiently precise knowledge planning in some foundation subjects; these were school-wide concerns, rather than findings assigned specifically to Nursery.

Regular Play and Stay sessions let parents join their child’s learning and talk about progress with their Key Worker. Nursery staff are available for conversations at collection and drop-off, while Class Dojo carries learning updates and news. There are several ways to keep in touch.

Support for additional needs begins with the school’s first conversations with families. A SEND and Inclusion Lead, SENDCo and Assistant SENDCo/Nurture Lead form the wider support structure. Concerns about learning or social development go first to the child’s class teacher, giving families a clear starting point.

Food arrangements include a school-wide ban on nuts and coconut. Kitchen staff discuss allergies and intolerances with parents, and most recipes can be adjusted. Extended care has its own meal arrangements: breakfast choices include yoghurt, cereal and toast, and an optional light supper is included in the after-school session charge.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Staffordshire County Council. For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that cycle has passed.

Familiarity is a separate benefit from admission. The early years team plans together, children share learning spaces, and the Nursery Playground remains somewhere children can visit after moving into Reception. These connections support continuity, but they do not secure a place.

Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; a Full Day runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. Before and After School Care Club provides additional care, with after-school collection possible before 6:00pm. Club registration forms are returned to the school office.

Government-funded options are accepted, subject to eligibility. Contact the school for current charges. To enquire about Nursery, call 01889 228689 or email office@johnbamford.staffs.sch.uk with a contact number. The nursery teacher then discusses your child’s needs and the next steps. Personal visits are offered during the school day, with evening visits also possible.