Woodfield Infant School & Nursery: Nursery Review

A message centre for early writing, stories chosen by children and room to explore outdoors give Woodfield’s nursery a clear character: play has purpose here. Children can start in the term following their third birthday. The provision belongs to Woodfield Infant School & Nursery in Copthorne, Shrewsbury, and opened in January 2023.

At the inspection on 1 and 2 April 2025, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding. This covers the early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery judgement. Nursery children developed independence and curiosity from the beginning, giving families a useful picture of the habits encouraged alongside early learning.

Learning combines children’s own exploration with activities shaped by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum draws on Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters. In practice, adults join play, ask questions and help children attempt more for themselves. Woodfield calls its balance of planned learning and children’s interests a goldilocks approach, with golden challenges woven into play.

Books give that learning a focus. A book of the week introduces language and stories, while children vote on a daily story. Nursery children begin the RWI programme with oral fred talk and Set 1 sounds. Talk 4 Writing adds storytelling and spoken language to the preparation for writing. These are concrete ways to connect listening, talking and early literacy.

Indoor and outdoor areas include sand, water and role play, alongside places for reading. Paint, collage and modelling materials allow children to experiment; Beebots bring technology into their exploration. Resources are arranged for children to choose equipment and put it away themselves. Independence is part of the activity.

The message centre provides paper and writing tools with a reason to use them. In April 2025, early years children confidently retold stories and practised making marks, while adults extended their vocabulary through conversation. Early years children also showed sustained interest and positive attitudes to learning. The detail matters: writing starts with communication and control of tools, alongside enjoyment of stories.

The nursery team includes a manager, teacher, practitioner and assistants. Parents can speak with staff at either end of the day, use telephone contact and attend stay and play sessions. This gives families opportunities to share information and take part in their child’s learning.

Support includes Talk Boost, a small-group programme for children with speech and language difficulties. Teaching is adjusted to children’s needs, and parents and other agencies contribute to plans for children with SEND. The SENCO checks their progress; further assessment or support follows when progress is poor. Children generally learn together, although needs identified in an EHCP can mean some learning happens outside the classroom.

First-aid-trained staff work within the nursery. Nursery school lunches carry a separate charge, so meals need to be included in the family’s budget.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Choosing nursery and obtaining a school place are separate decisions.

Daytime nursery visits can be booked by calling 01743 343812 or emailing admin@woodfield.empowermat.co.uk. The same contacts handle nursery enquiries.

Funding-code timing. From summer term 2025, families eligible for a 30-hour code who do not renew it in time for the next term must pay for additional sessions until funding can be claimed in the following term. Becoming eligible during a term also delays the claim until the next term. Renewal timing can therefore affect the cost of the attendance pattern a family chooses. Contact the school for current charges.