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Nursery at Parkside Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Explorers, Adventurers and Investigators give Little Explorers its own identity within Parkside Primary School. This on-site nursery takes children aged two to four, with younger children in The Explorers/Adventurers room and preschool children in The Investigators. Its accommodation includes a multi-purpose Foundation Stage unit, placing nursery learning within the school’s early years provision.
In July 2022, Ofsted judged early years provision Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The nursery’s emphasis is on children’s interests, familiar routines and growing independence.
Play and conversation shape the learning. Parkside describes its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach as learning through play, with communication, reading and interaction central to activities. In parent terms, that means learning through what children explore, say and share with adults. Themes help organise those experiences.
For The Explorers/Adventurers, children’s interests guide activities, with practitioners extending their exploration through conversation and interaction. The Investigators combine children’s ideas with planned activities led by adults. The nursery aims to develop relationships and independence as preparation for the next stage: choosing, joining in and learning alongside others matter here.
Books have a daily place. Nursery children hear stories every day, while story sacks and nursery rhyme baskets go home regularly, giving families something concrete to share beyond the session. An Early Years library adds a physical space for exploring books. In July 2022, daily chatty snack brought conversation into the early years routine, and staff helped children participate in activities that prepared them for further learning.
Creative work is practical, too. Early years children can use art materials daily, explore colour and line, and learn about a different artist each term. Sing Up supplies the nursery’s music programme, adding opportunities to listen and sing. Exploration also reaches beyond the classroom: The Explorers have visited the local park.
Key workers are part of the younger children’s room, alongside consistent routines. The nursery aims to build close relationships through these arrangements, giving its youngest children familiar adults as they begin learning away from home.
Support for additional needs includes adjustments to teaching through a graduated approach, with the SEND team adapting provision for individual children. This applies across the nursery and school journey, so support can respond to needs that emerge after a child starts.
At Parkside, Aspens prepares meals on site each day. School dinners are available to all pupils; families book through Arbor. Dietary requirements and allergies are handled through the office and catering team, allowing meals to be planned around a child’s needs. Early Years updates form part of the whole-school newsletter, providing another connection between home and nursery.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Staffordshire County Council’s online admissions route, with the closing date described as mid January.
The Investigators’ work on independence and relationships is preparation for that next stage. It should be considered separately from the application process: choosing nursery and securing a school place are distinct decisions.
Discovery Den provides before- and after-school care for children from both Parkside and Little Explorers. Books, indoor and outdoor activities, and a playground Reading Shed give that extra time its own character. Nursery wraparound care is offered for two- and three-year-olds.
For a nursery enquiry or to arrange a look around, contact the school office on 01785 450145. Registration involves completing the nursery application form and returning it to the main office. Little Explorers is at Parkside Primary School on Bradshaw Way, Stafford, ST16 1TH.
Children aged two to four attend, with The Explorers/Adventurers for younger children and The Investigators for preschool children.
No. Families must apply separately through Staffordshire County Council’s online Reception admissions route. The closing date is described as mid January.
Yes. Little Explorers offers wraparound care for two- and three-year-olds, and Discovery Den serves nursery and school children before and after school.
Nursery children are read to daily. Story sacks and nursery rhyme baskets are regularly sent home for families to share.
Call the school office on 01785 450145 to enquire or arrange a look around. Nursery application forms are returned to the main office.
