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Nursery at Aston Lodge 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Birthday baking, songs that explore sounds and stories retold with miniature props give Aston Lodge’s nursery its character. This is Foundation Stage 1, or FS1, within Aston Lodge Primary School on Lodge Lane in Aston. The school’s provision starts at age three, with morning and afternoon nursery sessions.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 23 and 24 May 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school. Children were engaged in their activities, motivated to learn and able to work together, giving the play-based day a purposeful foundation.
Adult-guided activities sit alongside play that children initiate themselves, with learning both outside and indoors. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical development, communication and relationships with early mathematics, literacy, creative work and exploration of the world. In parent terms, learning to explain an idea or cooperate with another child matters alongside recognising a number.
Sound work has a clear sequence. Twinkl Phase 1 Phonics runs through the autumn and spring terms, using activities such as body percussion, environmental sounds and rhyme to develop listening and spoken language. Read Write Inc begins in the summer term. Nursery rhymes and Voice Play songs make this preparation practical: children hear patterns before tackling written words.
Story sacks in the early years classrooms contain masks, story stones, teddy characters and story spoons. These give children objects to handle while recalling events and retelling stories. Baking also forms part of nursery life; a birthday-themed literacy topic included looking at the class birthday board and discussing birthday months.
In May 2023, adults extended learning during games by asking children how many additional points would bring their total to ten. There were also weaknesses to address: early reading and phonics teaching varied between sessions, and planning needed clearer links between early years learning and the curriculum that followed. Those concerns matter alongside the positive picture of children’s participation.
A Level 5 Nursery Lead works with teaching assistants in FS1. The lead has Tiny Talker training and delivers speech and language interventions within the nursery. Parents can discuss worries at a Monday classroom drop-in from 3.30pm to 4.15pm, while Dojo carries updates about learning, events and children’s achievements.
Children joining the Foundation Stage are offered a home visit involving their teacher and a support colleague. This gives families time to discuss concerns and staff an opportunity to arrange support before the child starts. For SEND concerns, the class teacher is the first contact; the school’s support structure also includes the SENDCo and specialist services.
Lunch has a defined place in the day. Children who stay are accompanied to the dining hall between 11.30am and 12.15pm. Families can choose a charged hot meal or provide a packed lunch with a supervision charge. Ask the school for current charges.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the Local Authority School Admissions Team, using the normal admissions process.
Transition activities help children prepare for the change separately from that application. Children spend a summer-term day in their next class, and those moving into Foundation Stage 2 have additional visits. Teachers discuss children’s needs in July; where practicable, the receiving teacher also joins the final review for a child with significant SEND. Parents are invited to a summer meet-the-teacher event.
Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am, with the door closing at 8.45am. Afternoon nursery runs from 12.15pm to 3.15pm, and its door closes at 12.30pm. Pack spare clothes, a water bottle, waterproof outerwear and wellington boots so your child has what they need for the session.
The Lime Trees provides on-site breakfast and after-school childcare for Foundation Stage children through to Year 6. Booking involves registering your child at thelimetrees.co.uk and selecting Aston Lodge Primary School. For nursery enquiries, contact office@astonlodgeprimary.org or telephone 0114 2872432.
The morning session is 8.30am to 11.30am; the afternoon session is 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Doors close at 8.45am and 12.30pm respectively.
Children use Twinkl Phase 1 Phonics during the autumn and spring terms, including rhyme, listening games and sound activities. They begin Read Write Inc in the summer term.
Yes. Children staying for lunch are accompanied in the dining hall from 11.30am to 12.15pm. Hot meals carry a charge, and packed lunches carry a supervision charge.
Foundation Stage entrants are offered a home visit with a teacher and support staff member. The nursery also has a Monday drop-in from 3.30pm to 4.15pm. Speak to the class teacher first about SEND concerns.
No. A separate application is required through the Local Authority School Admissions Team. Transition visits support the change of class and do not secure admission.
