Newtown CofE Primary School Nursery

Storytelling, sound games and Forest School shaped Newtown’s nursery learning in 2025–26. Children join from age three, becoming part of Owl Class alongside Reception children within this Church of England primary school in Newtown, Wem. It is an introduction to school life built around familiar routines, play and learning together.

Early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 14 and 15 January 2025. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery. In January 2025, adults established relationships promptly and understood children’s individual needs, giving the youngest learners a personal start.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical form here: children explore language, numbers, their surroundings and creative materials through play. During 2025–26, nursery storytelling included retelling Goldilocks and the three bears. Stories and poems also featured across the day, giving children opportunities to listen and join in beyond a single reading session.

In 2025–26, Super Sounds developed the listening and speaking skills that precede formal phonics. Children played with words beginning alike, heard syllables, identified starting sounds and blended sounds aloud. These activities prepared them for the school’s Ready Steady Phonics programme. In January 2025, language development received close attention, and children revisited earlier teaching through practice.

In 2025–26, nursery maths used the learning environment: children sorted and matched objects, counted, identified numerals, investigated shapes and created patterns. The emphasis is on doing. Open-ended play also lets children choose resources and test their own ideas, while working with other children creates opportunities to practise conversation and cooperation.

Reading corners are a physical feature of the classrooms, with books arranged for children to access. Outdoors, nursery Forest School activities in 2025–26 included observing plants and trees and learning to look after the natural environment. During 2025–26, nursery learning also explored Easter and Ramadan, connecting children’s own preferences and experiences with those of others.

Daily routines give children a recognisable structure as they build friendships and independence. Families can join stay-and-play sessions, and three inspire events across the year invite parents into children’s learning. Staff discuss children’s development regularly with parents, so communication extends beyond occasional events.

The EYFS team’s qualifications include an early years primary education degree, a Level 3 qualification in children’s development and education, Makaton and Understanding Challenging Behaviours. The school’s SEND coordinator works with families, staff and outside agencies, providing a route for coordinating support around a child’s needs.

School meals are freshly prepared each day by the kitchen team at Newtown. Families should confirm nursery meal arrangements and current charges with the school.

Attending Newtown’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat that application as a distinct decision from booking nursery attendance.

Owl Class brings nursery and Reception together, and the nursery aims to help children become familiar with school routines before the next stage. In 2025–26, Super Sounds provided preparation for later phonics learning. These are educational links, rather than an admissions entitlement.

Nursery operating hours are given as 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, with flexible booking patterns. Another nursery timetable gives an 8:45am start and 3:15pm finish. Confirm the applicable hours when booking.

Children become eligible for funding in the term following their third birthday. The qualifying cut-off dates are 31 December, 31 March and 31 August. Funding options accompany the flexible booking model; families should obtain current charges from the school.

In 2025–26, children wore full uniform and black school shoes except on PE and Forest School days. Requirements included a water bottle containing water, labelled clothing and spare clothes for outdoor sessions. Confirm current clothing requirements with the school. To arrange a nursery visit or stay-and-play session, telephone 01939 233353.