All Saints' CofE First School Nursery Review

Mud-kitchen play, a story circle and a classroom shared with older children give the nursery at All Saints' CofE First School its character. In Church Leigh, nursery children use the same Early Years classroom as Reception pupils and join school activities, so their day includes contact with the wider school as well as play.

There are two distinct parts to the early provision: the school nursery class and Church Leigh Pre-School Playgroup, which operates within the school. The pre-school accepts children from age 2. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 7 and 8 June 2022; this was an early years judgement within the school inspection.

Play carries most of the learning. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, with an emphasis on conversation, language and confidence: stories, singing and pretend play give children opportunities to practise expressing themselves and listening to others. The school plans activities around children's interests and their next developmental steps, rather than treating each child as ready for the same task.

Outside, the dedicated Early Years area adds den building and construction to the mud kitchen and story circle. Children are encouraged to bring wellies and waterproof clothing for weekly outdoor sessions, making outdoor play part of the routine across different weather conditions. Indoors, the shared classroom places nursery children alongside Reception pupils. Singing, PE, worship, snacks, lunch and special events also connect them with school life.

In June 2022, staff adapted how they spoke to suit children's needs and demonstrated language for children to use. Children practised counting objects and recognising numbers, while growing sunflowers prompted discussion about plant parts and the conditions needed for growth. Phonics began in the nursery class. These examples show early learning through conversation and practical activity.

That June 2022 picture also carried a caution: staff training in the new phonics approach was incomplete, and some aspects of the school's curriculum needed further development, including planning, delivery and how staff used assessment to decide what pupils should learn next. For families, the positive early years judgement should be read alongside those teaching priorities.

Settling into routines is an explicit nursery aim. The school wants children to feel settled and keen to attend, and focuses on helping them become familiar with the school day. Joining shared activities gives children repeated opportunities to get to know other children and the adults around them.

Office and Early Years staff answer families' questions. The school's staffing structure includes an inclusion lead who is also the SEND coordinator, providing a contact for discussions about additional needs. Parents with a safeguarding concern can contact the office and request the designated safeguarding lead.

Nursery children participate in school lunchtimes. Edwards and Ward provide the school's meals, prepared fresh daily, and younger children are encouraged to sample small portions of unfamiliar foods. That gives trying something new a manageable starting point.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Staffordshire County Council's admissions route. For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that cycle has already passed.

Familiarity is a separate benefit. Nursery children already share the Early Years classroom with Reception pupils and participate in school routines, giving them experience of the environment before the next stage. It does not secure admission.

The pre-school operates during term time, Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 3.00pm, with session availability handled by the office. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered by Church Leigh Pre-School Playgroup. Nursery applications go directly to the school, and tours can be booked through the office on 01889 502289.

Funded pre-school places include 15 hours for 3-year-olds and 30 hours subject to eligibility. Eligible working families can also access funded places for 2-year-olds, with the entitlement increasing to 30 hours from September 2025. Contact the school for current charges.

Clothing arrangements differ between the provisions. Nursery children wear school uniform and PE kit; pre-school uniform is optional and can be ordered through School Trends. Name clothing and equipment, and include wellies and waterproofs for nursery outdoor sessions.