Squirrels Nursery at St John's CofE First School

Songs, rhymes and shared outdoor play give Squirrels its character. This is the nursery class at St John's CofE First School in Bishopswood, taking children from age 2, with both full-time and part-time places. The nursery describes its groups as small, with adult-guided activities alongside play that children direct themselves.

The June 2026 Ofsted inspection judged early years to be at the Expected standard. Its nursery-specific findings put language development centre stage, alongside children’s confidence, curiosity and relationships. For parents, the emphasis is on learning to communicate and take part, rather than simply following a timetable.

Termly topics provide a starting point, but children’s interests can change the direction of learning. Adult-guided activities sit alongside opportunities for children to choose what they do. That gives the day both structure and room for individual curiosity.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) curriculum builds knowledge and skills in a planned sequence, with staff adjusting teaching for different groups. In June 2026, early years staff coordinated learning around what children could already do. Training had also strengthened adults’ interactions with children, making everyday exchanges part of the teaching.

Language runs through the nursery day. Songs and rhymes accompany opportunities to encounter new vocabulary; adults prompt children to explore, sustain their attention and explain their thinking. These are practical foundations for joining a conversation, expressing an idea and engaging with an activity.

Outdoor learning connects Squirrels with the next class. Nursery children share an outdoor space with Reception and take part in weekly forest school sessions together. This gives them regular opportunities to learn alongside older children, as well as a shared setting for play. The physical connection also matters later, when familiar spaces can form part of the move to Reception.

Relationships help children settle. In June 2026, early years staff worked closely with parents to ease children’s start and offered guidance on supporting learning at home. Children showed curiosity and confidence, while forming positive connections with adults and other children.

Tapestry and Class DoJo keep families in touch with nursery life and show what children are doing in class. They provide a connection between the activities children experience and conversations at home.

Food preparation has clear safety expectations. The school is nut free, and food should suit the child’s age: grapes for nursery children must be quartered to reduce choking risks. Families preparing snacks or packed lunches need to build those requirements into their routine.

For additional needs, the school aims to make adjustments to learning and the environment and to involve families and outside agencies. The SENDCo can be contacted through the school office, giving parents a route to discuss support.

Attending Squirrels does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Staffordshire council, even when their child already attends the nursery. Treat that application as a separate step from booking nursery sessions.

Shared outdoor play and joint forest school sessions provide familiarity with Reception children. That is transition experience, not an assurance of admission.

Full-time and part-time places are offered. The morning nursery session ends at 11:50am, and collection must be prompt; late collection incurs a lunch-hour session charge. Ask the school for current charges.

Families can use the Squirrels Nursery Enquiry Form or request a show-around. The school office is also reachable at office@stjohnsbishopswood.org or on 01785 840318.