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Nursery at Ash Green Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, woodland and an open-plan play space give Ash Green’s nursery a distinctly practical character. Children can move freely between the indoor area and a smaller outdoor space, making outdoor exploration part of their learning rather than a separate outing.
The nursery belongs to Ash Green Primary Academy in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent. Its class has 52 places for children who are already three by 1 September, with fourth birthdays falling during the nursery year. Provision runs in term time. In June 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Children’s interests help shape the activities, with Early Years Practitioners working under the EYFS lead. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning to everyday development: speaking and listening, managing feelings, forming friendships and building physical control sit alongside literacy, number, exploring the world and creative work. Sharing and taking turns are learning too.
Planning draws on Development Matters 2021 and Birth to 5 Matters 2021 for a practical curriculum organised around topics. Indoors, the open-plan layout provides room for play; outside, children have equipment, shelter beneath a covered area, the mud kitchen and woodland. Free movement between the spaces gives children scope to follow an activity indoors or out.
The June 2026 early years findings describe learning organised in a clear sequence, with conversations helping children develop vocabulary and confidence. Practical number activities give mathematical ideas a concrete form. Children also choose resources for themselves and use their learning during play, including writing with a purpose. These are opportunities to practise independence as well as knowledge.
Adult interaction. The early years improvement priority is greater consistency in purposeful conversations between staff and children throughout the day. For families, this makes the quality of those everyday exchanges an important consideration alongside the play spaces.
Starting nursery is treated as a gradual adjustment that takes account of individual needs. Families receive information before their child starts, and communication continues by email. The school’s approach recognises that settling involves a process over time, rather than one introductory event.
For concerns about additional needs, parents can begin with the class teacher or Key Worker. Staff observe children’s learning, social skills and physical coordination, while the SENCo works with teaching and support staff. When needs have already been identified, the school works with other settings and support agencies before the child starts. This gives families a clear first contact and a way to share existing support arrangements.
Full-day attendance includes a lunch break. Lunch carries a separate weekly charge, or children can bring food from home. That choice matters when planning the nursery day and its additional costs.
Attending Ash Green’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application the following year through the normal admissions process. The route is the Stoke-on-Trent admissions service; normal-round applications are handled by the local authority where parents or carers live.
For September 2026 entry, the Reception application deadline was 15 January 2026. Nursery attendance and the Reception application are separate decisions, so families should plan for both processes.
Two attendance patterns run Monday to Friday: mornings from 8.50am to noon, or full days from 8.50am to 3.15pm. Morning attendance is the option for children receiving only the universal 15 funded hours. Eligible families can receive an additional 15 funded hours; families who do not qualify can pay for the additional hours to attend full time. Ask the school for current charges.
Nursery children use their classroom door for entry and collection. For enquiries, contact the school office on 01782 658977 or office@ashgreenprimary.co.uk. The office opens from 8am to 3.45pm, giving parents a contact window that extends beyond the nursery session.
September starters must already be three by 1 September. Children have their fourth birthday during the nursery year.
Morning sessions run from 8.50am to noon, and full days from 8.50am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday during term time.
The universal offer is 15 funded hours, with an additional 15 for eligible families. Families who do not qualify for the additional hours can pay for a full-time place.
The lunch break is included, but lunch is charged separately each week. Children can bring a packed lunch instead.
No. Parents must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process the following year.
