Marshbrook First School Nursery Review

Doodle the Dog, dough gym and the first steps in French give Marshbrook’s nursery day its own character. Places are offered for children aged two and three within Marshbrook First School in Penkridge, Staffordshire. This is a school nursery with play, language and emotional development woven into the learning.

The school grounds include woodland and substantial outdoor space. Nursery learning takes place outside as well as indoors, giving children different settings in which to explore. In July 2022, Ofsted found that the nursery curriculum was organised effectively around children’s communication, physical skills and personal development; the nursery also benefited from knowledgeable staff and well-equipped surroundings.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the day through exploration, active play and opportunities to think creatively. Staff adapt activities to individual children. For parents, that means activities are adjusted to their child’s individual needs.

Books begin with practical discoveries: children explore illustrations, learn to turn pages and work out how to hold a book. Monster Phonics starts at phase 1 in nursery, with children progressing to phase 2 when ready. Readiness matters. Early reading develops alongside familiarity with books, rather than being reduced to recognising letters.

Letter Join is used from nursery, while children preparing to write practise smaller hand movements through threading, tracing, dough gym and write dance. These activities give the youngest learners a practical way into the skills needed for writing. French teaching also begins in nursery through separate units, adding another language to children’s learning.

Physical development includes activities led by adults, opportunities within everyday play and specific lessons. Together with outdoor exploration, this gives movement a place within learning rather than treating it solely as a break from other activities.

Emotions have a named starting point: Doodle the Dog. Through Trick Box stories, nursery children begin to identify feelings, giving them a way to talk about their emotional lives.

Families joining the school have opportunities to meet the teacher and make visits before starting. For additional needs, the school’s SENCo coordinates support and links with parents and specialist agencies, including Autism Outreach and Speech and Language services. Classroom entrances accommodate wheelchairs. These school arrangements provide a route for discussing an individual child’s needs before they join.

Snacks are included in both morning and afternoon sessions. Lunch can come from home or be bought from the school kitchen, so families have a choice over the midday meal. An EYFS deputy safeguarding lead forms part of the school’s safeguarding team, providing an early-years contact for concerns.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process and meet its deadline. The application route is Staffordshire County Council’s school admissions service. Treat this as a separate decision from booking nursery sessions.

Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, followed by a lunchtime session from 11:45am to 12:15pm. Afternoon sessions run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm; the extended afternoon finishes at 5:15pm. That later option gives families a different collection time from the standard afternoon.

Nursery enquiries can be made using an enquiry form or by calling the school. Visits are welcomed. Contact the office on 01785 712780 or email office@marshbrook.staffs.sch.uk. Ask the school for current session and lunch charges.