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Nursery at St Michael's CofE (A) 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, imaginative play and outdoor activity give this nursery its character, with early reading receiving focused attention. The provision sits within St Michael's CofE (A) First School on Market Place in Penkridge, a Church of England school. It is part of the school’s early years provision.
Ofsted’s February 2026 judgement for early years was Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Language learning takes several forms. Adults use rhymes, storytelling and pretend play to help children develop their speech, and children readily join conversations with both adults and other children. These activities give them reasons to listen, respond and express ideas. Reading also has a distinct place: regular phonics sessions are supported by additional adult help, which addresses gaps in children’s knowledge of sounds.
The outdoor area adds another dimension. Activities there develop movement skills and creativity, giving children opportunities to learn through physical activity as well as conversation. Across early years, planned experiences generally help children acquire useful knowledge and skills. The emphasis is on development through activities they can take part in.
Teaching consistency. In February 2026, adults sometimes overlooked chances to extend vocabulary or help children practise new words during play. Some activities also needed a closer fit to what children could already do, and a few children briefly lost concentration. For families, the important improvement is more precise planning and adult interaction, so that play sustains both attention and learning.
Settling begins with cooperation between staff and families. In February 2026, that partnership helped children become comfortable with nursery routines promptly and feel secure. Relationships with adults contributed to an atmosphere that was usually settled. This gives the transition from home a practical foundation: familiarity with people and routines.
The nursery team includes a manager, a nursery nurse and a teaching assistant. A school SEND coordinator works with staff, parents and senior leaders. Support across the school includes adjustments to teaching and targeted interventions, organised through the Graduated Response.
Identification of additional needs starts when children enter Nursery. In February 2026, staff worked with families to understand those needs, requested specialist advice promptly when necessary and reviewed support so it could be changed. For a child who needs extra help, this means concerns can be addressed from the beginning of nursery attendance.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Staffordshire’s online school admissions route, meeting the normal deadline for their application year. Living within the catchment area does not remove the need to apply.
Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions. Becoming familiar with school routines is valuable for a child, but it should not be mistaken for securing admission to the next class.
The school is at Market Place, Penkridge, Stafford, ST19 5DJ. For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01785 712344. The same office provides a contact route for the school’s SEND coordinator, allowing families to raise support needs directly.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission to Reception, and families must apply separately through Staffordshire’s online school admissions route.
Ofsted’s February 2026 judgement was Expected standard for the school’s early years provision. This is not a separate nursery rating.
Children take part in storytelling, rhymes and imaginative play. Across early years, regular phonics sessions and additional adult support help address gaps in sound knowledge.
Staff work with parents and carers from the start of Nursery. In February 2026, this helped children feel secure and become comfortable with new routines promptly.
Contact the school office on 01785 712344 to reach the SEND coordinator. Identification of additional needs begins when children join Nursery, with specialist advice sought when necessary.
