The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at St Leonard's CofE First 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodland exploration gives this small school nursery a character beyond its classroom. Nursery children belong to Hedgehogs, the combined Nursery and Reception class at St Leonard's in Dunston. Entry starts on a child's third birthday, with eight morning places and eight afternoon places. Families must take at least nine hours each week.
This is nursery provision within a Church of England first school. Applications are welcomed from families with any faith or none.
Dough, drawing and stories offer a concrete picture of early learning here. In December 2024, early years teaching concentrated on the beginnings of reading, writing and maths. Songs and rhymes accompanied curriculum stories, while dough handling and drawing helped children practise the small hand movements needed for writing. These are practical foundations rather than simply time spent with a pencil.
Communication, language and fine motor development needed additional attention for most children in early years at that point. The activities were starting to benefit learning, and the classroom was starting to encourage greater independence. Those qualifications matter: the findings described work taking effect, rather than an established endpoint.
Forest School adds a different learning space. Every class can participate, using the woodland in different weather conditions when safe. Activities include making dens, recognising wildlife and plants, climbing, creating artwork and campfire cooking. The school aims to build confidence and resilience through outdoor learning. Warm clothes and waterproofs make this part of the day practical.
Warm relationships between adults and children were an early years strength in December 2024. Before joining, nursery children have an induction that includes school taster sessions and information for parents. Where possible, staff visit existing settings and exchange information about additional needs and successful support strategies. That gives families a way to share what already helps their child settle.
Milk and fruit are provided for early years children. Across the school, lunches are prepared on site, and children can alternatively bring a packed lunch.
For special educational needs and disabilities, parents can raise concerns with the class teacher and arrange a discussion with the SENCo through the office. Individual Learning Plans and Pupil Passports organise support, with parents involved in termly reviews. Visual timetables, ear defenders and wobble cushions are among the school's support resources. Medical needs require a care plan, while personal care needs are discussed individually so a support plan can be arranged.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families make a separate application through the normal school admissions process; Staffordshire County Council allocates Reception places. Treat choosing nursery and applying for school as separate decisions.
For 2027/2028, draft admission arrangements include a conditional oversubscription priority for children who attended the school nursery and receive Early Years Pupil Premium Funding. This is a proposed rule for that admissions year, not a general priority for nursery families or a guaranteed offer.
For children with SEND, teachers exchange information about individual needs and support when children move to the next class. Depending on need, parents may also have additional meetings with the next teacher. This preparation concerns continuity of care, separately from place allocation.
Morning and afternoon nursery places are offered, and 30-hour funding is available. Nursery applications go through the school office, which also arranges visits: call 01785 712488 or email office@st-leonards-dunston.staffs.sch.uk.
The Ark extends the available care. Before-school care runs from 8am to 8:35am, with advance booking required for nursery children to organise staffing. Nursery after-school care runs from 3:10pm to 4pm, and places must be booked a month ahead. Registration requires a booking form returned to the office; payment is handled through ParentPay. These booking commitments deserve attention when planning a working week.
Children can start on their third birthday and must attend at least nine hours per week.
There are eight morning places and eight afternoon places.
No. Reception needs a separate application, and Staffordshire County Council allocates places. The draft 2027/2028 arrangements propose conditional priority for nursery attendees receiving Early Years Pupil Premium Funding.
Yes. Before-school care runs from 8am to 8:35am and requires advance booking for nursery children. After-school care for nursery runs from 3:10pm to 4pm and must be booked a month ahead.
Induction includes information for parents and taster sessions. Where possible, staff visit children's existing settings and discuss additional needs and support strategies with them.
