Aston All Saints CofE (A) Primary School Nursery Review

At the October 2022 inspection, routines and opportunities for independence characterised the school's early years provision. The nursery is Foundation Stage One, part of the Church of England primary school on Lodge Lane in Aston. It offers an introduction to school life within the school's early years provision.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 12 and 13 October 2022. That judgement covers the school's early years phase, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Routine provides the starting point. In October 2022, children in early years learnt routines promptly and had opportunities to become more independent. For parents, that places everyday confidence alongside learning: becoming accustomed to how a session works is part of the experience.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework for learning, development and welfare for children aged 0 to 5. Its learning areas bring together language and communication, physical skills and emotional development with mathematics, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. This means early education reaches beyond letters and numbers to how children communicate, relate to others and develop physically. The framework also includes ongoing checks on children's progress, so learning and support can respond to their development.

For parents concerned about friendships or learning difficulties, the October 2022 early years findings offered reassurance. Children connected with staff and peers in a calm setting, while adults acted quickly to identify learning needs and provide help.

Parents can raise developmental concerns through the school's SEND arrangements. Closer monitoring can follow either concerns from home or the school's own checks. The SEND coordinator role sits with the headteacher, giving families a defined contact for discussing additional needs. This is a useful route for bringing observations from home into conversations about support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admission priority for entry in 2027-28. Families must make a separate application through the local authority's Common Application Form, with a closing date of 15 January 2027. Treat this as a separate decision and deadline, even if your child already attends the nursery.

The application process also involves supplementary information used to determine the relevant admission category. Where church attendance is to count, a minister's countersignature is required. Returning supplementary information alone does not constitute an application or guarantee admission. Familiarity with the school therefore needs to sit alongside completing the required application process.

Funded childcare covers 15 or 30 hours per week, depending on eligibility. Nursery sessions beyond the applicable entitlement attract charges, with the rate communicated at enrolment. Ask the school for current charges when arranging a place, so the distinction between funded hours and paid additional sessions is clear.

School visits can be arranged in advance through the office on 0114 2872100. This gives prospective parents and children an opportunity to look around before making their decision.