Little Dormouse Nursery at Barlaston CofE (VC) First School

The Gruffalo stories, outdoor role play and lunch alongside teachers give Little Dormouse Nursery its own character within Barlaston CofE (VC) First School. This is the school's nursery class for children aged three and four, with its own nursery building and a place in the shared Early Years department. The nursery teacher also leads Early Years, supported by teaching assistants.

At the Ofsted inspection on 14 and 15 May 2024, early years provision was judged Good. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play shapes the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines communication, movement and social development with early maths, literacy, creative expression and exploration of the world. During the first term, language, physical skills and emotional and social development take precedence. Children choose activities as well as joining teaching individually, in groups and as a class, giving them both adult guidance and opportunities to follow their interests.

Development Matters observation checkpoints help the teacher identify each child's next steps. The autumn theme, Ourselves and Our Families, uses songs, nursery rhymes and stories including The Gruffalo’s Child. Home and doctors' role play bring familiar experiences into learning; outdoor scenarios include dark woods and Santa's workshop. Harvest and Christmas introduce family, church and school customs.

Outdoor activity continues across the weather: wellingtons stay at nursery, and children need a coat each day. Independence also gets practical attention. Nursery children participate in tidying, while staff encourage families to practise fastening coats. These are small tasks with a useful purpose: children begin taking responsibility for themselves and their surroundings.

In May 2024, teaching in the nursery and Reception supported good progress in language and communication. Across early years, children practised daily routines, sustained attention during activities and learned across the curriculum through organised activities.

Settling has a shared starting point. Families bring children during a morning window so they can settle together before registration; the May 2024 early years findings described children settling quickly. Parents can raise worries with Early Years staff. Friday emails carry school news, with additional Early Years updates during the year and class information displayed at the nursery entrance.

Lunch is also a learning opportunity. Teachers sit with nursery children, encouraging varied food choices and helping them eat independently. The school kitchen prepares hot meals, which can be ordered daily for a charge. Morning fruit and wholemeal toast are chargeable; milk is free until a child's fifth birthday. Afternoon fruit and water are included for children who stay.

For additional needs, the class teacher is the first contact, with referral to the SEND coordinator where appropriate. Learning Support Plans or Individual Learning Portfolios set targets with parental input. Speech and language support and Autism Outreach are among the school's support options, allocated according to need.

Toilet training. There are no nappy changing facilities on site. Families whose child is still developing toileting skills should discuss support with staff before starting.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through gov.uk, using the normal application process and deadline. Treat this as a fresh application when planning your child's next step.

Learning to eat independently and manage belongings helps prepare children for that move. Additional transition support can be arranged with the class teacher and school leadership when a child needs it; information about support needs is shared between stages. These arrangements support continuity of care and learning, rather than securing admission.

Funded sessions run Monday to Friday: the 15-hour pattern is 9:00am to noon, while the 30-hour pattern is 9:00am to 3:00pm for families entitled to extended funding. Universal funding starts in the term following the third birthday. Extra afternoons can be paid for privately, and non-funded places are also offered.

Breakfast and after-school care extend the day, with holiday care during school holidays and inset days. Eduspot handles payments and wraparound bookings. Ask the school for current charges.

For a full day, drop-off is at the nursery building from 8:55am, with the door closing at 9:05am; collection is between 3:00pm and 3:10pm. Uniform combines a gold polo shirt, grey bottoms and a bottle green jumper or cardigan; logos are optional. Enquiries go directly to the school on 01782 372543. Visits can be booked through the school office.