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Nursery at Ball 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Curiosity and learning to understand feelings give Ball Green’s nursery its character. The school aims to develop independence and imagination through its early years provision, while its approach to behaviour starts with helping young children recognise emotions. These are useful priorities for children beginning to learn alongside others.
Nursery and Rising 3s form part of Ball Green Primary Academy on Whitfield Road in Stoke-on-Trent. The nursery team includes a class teacher, early years practitioners and a teaching and learning support assistant. In the April 2023 Rising 3s intake, children could join in the term following their third birthday, subject to space in the nursery class. That was a specific admissions cycle, rather than a current offer of places.
Understanding the world is one concrete strand of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here: children explore materials, living things and the people around them. For nursery children, the 2022-2023 learning programme included sensory investigation of natural materials, comparing their properties and talking about discoveries. The emphasis was on doing and describing, giving children reasons to develop vocabulary.
Planting seeds and looking after plants also featured, alongside exploring how things work and noticing changes in materials. These activities connect questions with things children can handle and observe. Music added another kind of participation: the nursery programme for 2022-2023 included singing and percussion, with themes such as animals and people who help us.
Emotional learning has a practical shape too. In its 2022-2023 approach for early years children, Ball Green used adult modelling, small groups and peer support, with photographs and communication cards to help children understand feelings. The school’s Restorative Practice approach centres on recognising how actions affect other people and helping children repair disagreements.
An early years special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) provides a route for discussing additional support. The school’s SENCOs hold the National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination qualification. Parents should begin with their child’s class teacher; a SENCO discussion can follow if further clarification is needed. This gives families a clear sequence for raising concerns.
For new Foundation Stage children in 2022-2023, settling included teacher home visits to gather information and begin building a relationship before school. At school level, accessibility arrangements included a lift serving upstairs areas and accessible toilets. Families considering the nursery can distinguish these school facilities from the nursery’s own learning space.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the deadline for their child’s intake.
For September 2024 entry, applications went through stoke.gov.uk, with Monday 15 January 2024 as the closing date. Paper forms were available through the school office for families unable to apply online. Those dates belong to a completed cycle.
Transition support is a separate matter. In 2022-2023, the school’s arrangements for children with SEND included supported visits and extra transition visits. These concerned preparation for the next stage, rather than entitlement to a place.
Nursery enquiries can be sent through the school’s contact form, emailed to office@ballgreenprimary.co.uk or made by calling 01782 378771. Calls go initially to the main office, which directs them to the appropriate person. The school address is Whitfield Road, Ball Green, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 8AJ.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s intake.
The team includes a nursery class teacher, early years practitioners and a teaching and learning support assistant.
Start with your child’s class teacher. A discussion with the early years SENCO can follow if further clarification is needed.
The early years approach for 2022-2023 used adult modelling, small groups, peer support, photographs and communication cards to develop understanding of feelings and empathy.
Contact the school office on 01782 378771, email office@ballgreenprimary.co.uk or use the school’s contact form.
