Minsterley Primary School Nursery

Mark making with different materials gives Minsterley’s early years provision a practical starting point: children begin exploring writing before moving towards more formal literacy. The nursery belongs to Minsterley Primary School in Minsterley, Shropshire. Its teaching team includes a Reception/Nursery teacher, placing nursery teaching within the school’s early years staff structure.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for early literacy here. Children experiment with writing materials and make marks, while teachers and teaching assistants organise activities that encourage independent writing. For parents, the useful distinction is between these early experiments and finished written work: making marks is itself part of the learning.

Technology also has a place in the early years day. Children in EYFS can access an iPad during the day, giving them a digital resource alongside physical writing materials. This is access to equipment, rather than a prescribed amount of screen time.

Morning break includes fruit through the National Fruit Scheme for Foundation Stage children. That gives the day a concrete care routine alongside its learning activities.

For children joining the school, staff help them establish routines and friendships. When a child transfers from another school, staff use the records passed on to maintain continuity. The emphasis is on connecting the child’s previous experience with their new start.

Additional needs have a school contact route: the special educational needs and disabilities coordinator can be reached through the office. Parents therefore have a specific role to approach about support. Safeguarding concerns go first to the headteacher or deputy headteacher, and staff undertake safeguarding training through Shropshire Council.

Food is prepared in the school’s own kitchen. The school has a dining hall for meals and packed lunches, with milk and water provided at lunchtime. Two water fountains are also inside the building. These are school facilities; nursery attendance should not be confused with the separate lunch entitlement for older year groups.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Shropshire Council coordinates applications and allocates places against the school’s oversubscription criteria, using its online Synergy application route.

Reception preferences are submitted in the autumn term before the admission school year, with families able to name up to three schools. Treat that application as a separate task, even when a child already attends the nursery.

The school office handles enquiries on 01743 791398, or by email at admin@minsterley.shropshire.sch.uk. School visits can be arranged by telephone during school hours, allowing families to see the setting in use.

For drop-off and collection, parents are asked to use the Parish Hall car park. Access to the school car park, including walking through it with children, requires specific permission at these times. Build that parking arrangement into the journey.