Hummingbirds Nursery at St Mary and St Chad CofE First School

Past Hummingbirds themes have included nursery rhymes, familiar songs and explorations of colour at St Mary and St Chad CofE First School. This is the school's on-site nursery in Brewood, on Newport Street, with provision for two-year-olds. For families considering a school setting from an early age, Hummingbirds is the provision to explore.

Past Hummingbirds learning themes have included clothes and toys, the body and food, alongside explorations of colours. These are recognisable starting points for young children: subjects they can connect with their own lives. Seasonal themes have also included Christmas and Easter, while celebrations and class worship have featured in the nursery's activities.

Songs provide another concrete strand. Hummingbirds has included Humpty Dumpty, Incy Wincy Spider and The Wheels on the Bus among its nursery rhyme themes. That gives parents familiar material to share at home, making a connection between nursery learning and songs a child may already know.

In September 2023, Ofsted found that children across the early years experienced teaching of a high standard from staff with appropriate training. Children could sustain their attention and were prepared for more formal learning. This finding covers the school's early years provision rather than a separate nursery judgement, but gives parents a dated picture of children's learning habits.

Learning to get along with other children is part of the early years picture. In September 2023, children were learning to play together and show care towards one another. Those social skills matter alongside concentration: nursery is also a place to practise being part of a group.

For additional needs, the school has a special educational needs coordinator, with contact through the office on 01902 850373 or office2@stmarystchad.org. The school aims to help children reach their learning targets, including additional support where needed. This gives families a defined contact route for discussing their child's needs.

Attendance at Hummingbirds does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route. For the September 2026 intake, applications through Staffordshire County Council ran from 1st November 2025 until 15th January 2026. That cycle has passed; those dates apply to that intake only.

Transition activity is a separate matter. For the 2026 intake, Hummingbirds children were included in the two induction sessions for all children. Children coming from other nurseries had two additional sessions. The distinction concerns preparation for the move, not an entitlement to a school place.

School and nursery tours take place during the school day, giving prospective parents a chance to see ordinary school routines. Book through the office on 01902 850373 or office1@stmarystchad.org; an alternative date and time can be arranged.

These tours are aimed at parents. The school advises making other arrangements for children where possible, with children's own visits taking place after offers have been made. A daytime tour is therefore an opportunity for adults to consider the setting before the child's later introduction.