St Mary's CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Peace gives this school nursery its stated character. St Mary’s describes Peace as the guiding value for both school and nursery, alongside values including Respect, Collaboration and Ambition. For parents, that sets an expectation of learning together and thinking about other people, as well as developing individual skills.

The nursery is a class within St Mary's CofE Primary School in Shawbury, on Poynton Road, with 28 nursery places. Its identity is part of a Church of England school. The school describes its aims as covering children’s social and spiritual development alongside their education, so families choosing the nursery are also choosing that wider ethos.

Learning to share is part of the nursery day. In December 2024, children were being helped promptly to take turns, share and think about others. These are practical skills for joining a group: waiting for a turn and recognising another child’s needs matter alongside the learning itself.

Early learning also has a planned sequence. In December 2024, teaching followed a considered order from the early years onwards, and early English and mathematics teaching was effective. This gives parents a useful picture of learning that builds towards the next stage rather than treating activities as isolated experiences.

Diddi Dance has featured in nursery provision through a block lasting six weeks, scheduled for Monday afternoons at 1.30pm. This was a particular block of activity, rather than a promise of an ongoing timetable. It adds a named example of movement to the picture of nursery learning.

Additional needs are addressed from the beginning. In December 2024, the school’s entry transition programme helped recognise needs early, enabling support to begin from nursery onwards. For a family whose child needs extra help, the practical benefit is an opportunity to establish that support at the start.

The school uses support in stages, bringing in outside professionals when needed. These can include occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and an educational psychologist. Parents are told when an additional need or requirement for classroom support is identified, and their permission is sought before an outside educational professional assesses their child. That keeps families involved in decisions about assessment.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Shropshire Council using the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline.

The November 2018 arrangements required applications by 15 January before the school starting year. Those arrangements did not include nursery attendance among the priority criteria; they addressed looked-after children, catchment residence, siblings and distance. Treat that dated cycle separately from your child’s application year.

Personal tours can be arranged by calling 01939 250323 or emailing admin@stmarys.empowermat.co.uk. Nursery open days are also offered, giving families a direct way to meet the setting before deciding.

Collection arrangements need advance communication. If another adult will collect your child, tell the office or class teacher beforehand. Children cannot be released to a different adult unless the school has been informed, so changes to the usual collector need planning.