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Nursery at Silkmore Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Allotments, woodland and muddy exploration give Silkmore’s nursery its character. This is an early start to school life with room to plant, investigate and make things, rather than a day spent entirely inside a classroom.
Part of Silkmore Primary Academy on Exeter Street in Stafford, the provision includes nursery for two-year-olds and pre-school for three-year-olds. Children can start in the term after their second birthday. Separate room-leader roles cover the younger children and pre-school, alongside early years practitioners and nursery support staff.
Active learning shapes the day. Children explore through painting, planting, digging and making, with local outings and gardening adding practical experiences beyond the classroom. Individual activities sit alongside larger group work, giving children different ways to participate and develop their thinking.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach connects exploration with learning to solve problems, make links and think things through. Here, that means learning through activities children can take part in: tending plants, experimenting with materials and exploring their surroundings. Silkmore aims to develop independence through this approach.
Outdoor space is a substantial part of the provision. Playing fields, allotments and a woodland area surround the early years outdoor environment. Trained Forest School practitioners take groups into the woods throughout the year, so outdoor learning extends beyond fair-weather play. The nursery aims to build children’s confidence and respect for nature through these hands-on experiences.
Language also has a clear place in the routine. Early years children hear books at least twice daily, join in songs and rhymes, and use role-play to practise speaking. Adults discuss stories and revisit vocabulary, giving children repeated opportunities to hear and try unfamiliar words.
Chinese New Year gives nursery children a shared performance to work towards: they lead and perform a Dragon Dance, adding a cultural celebration to the routine.
In May 2024, Ofsted found that early years children were learning to share and could play both on their own and with a small group. Children were also taught about cleanliness, kindness and personal safety from the start of early years. These are useful foundations for managing everyday routines and getting along with other children.
The wider support team includes an early years lead, a special educational needs coordinator and an emotional wellbeing leader. Families can contact the special educational needs coordinator through the school office about additional needs.
School meals are prepared on site with fresh ingredients and ordered through ParentPay. Dietary requirements should be discussed with the office. For children using wraparound care, breakfast and an after-school snack are included in the session charge, reducing the food parents need to organise around those sessions.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/admissions. The local authority allocates school places under its admissions arrangements.
Treat choosing a nursery session and applying for Reception as separate decisions. Familiarity with the school should never be taken as confirmation of a future place.
Three nursery session options give families a straightforward starting point: mornings run from 08:50 to 11:50, afternoons from 12:20 to 15:20, and full days from 08:50 to 15:20. The full-day session charge includes lunchtime supervision for children who stay for lunch. Contact the school for current charges.
Funded places are available for two- and three-year-olds, including places using 30-hour funding. Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 01785 333930, which also arranges visits.
For a longer day, EarlyBirds breakfast club and Silkworms after-school club accept children aged two to eleven during term time. Breakfast club runs from 08:00 to 08:45; after-school care runs from 15:15 to 17:15. Book these sessions through ParentPay at least 24 hours ahead. Activities use the dining room and hall, with school grounds also used when weather permits.
Children can join in the term after their second birthday. Silkmore has nursery provision for two-year-olds and pre-school provision for three-year-olds.
Morning sessions run from 08:50 to 11:50, afternoons from 12:20 to 15:20, and full days from 08:50 to 15:20.
Yes. Funded places for two- and three-year-olds and places using 30-hour funding are available.
No. A separate Reception application is required through www.staffordshire.gov.uk/admissions, and the local authority allocates places.
Yes. EarlyBirds and Silkworms cater for children aged two to eleven during term time. Sessions must be booked through ParentPay at least 24 hours in advance.
