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Nursery at Castle Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Recipe cards in the mud kitchen give Castle’s early years a concrete character: children count ingredients as they make, bringing number work into play. This is nursery provision within Castle Primary School in Mow Cop, with learning planned for three- and four-year-olds. Nursery and Reception have a shared teaching team, placing the nursery within the school’s early years structure.
Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 20 and 21 June 2023. Its early years findings highlighted adults’ knowledge of the children and their attention to language development, giving families a useful picture of the teaching behind the activities.
Adult-guided learning and children’s own exploration both shape the day. Staff introduce knowledge and skills through planned teaching, then give children opportunities to use them in activities they choose. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework: here, that means learning through play and teaching, with adults observing children and adjusting their plans as interests and needs develop.
Books help shape those experiences. Nursery children use Little Wandle’s Foundation for Phonics, while the nursery literacy sequence includes making marks, writing names, exploring rhyme and clapping syllables. These are concrete steps towards understanding spoken sounds and written language. Children also talk about stories, with opportunities to extend their vocabulary rather than simply listen.
The mud kitchen supplied a practical maths example in June 2023: matching quantities to a recipe gave counting a purpose. Early years activities also gave children repeated opportunities to revisit learning. Elsewhere in the nursery curriculum, faith stories, handling artefacts and role-play introduce Christian and Hindu celebrations alongside children’s own family beliefs. Exploration takes several forms. Children also experience food from different cultures or faiths as part of this learning. Alongside stories and objects, this gives them another concrete way to explore traditions and discuss similarities and differences.
Settling begins before a September start. A summer programme of visits introduces children starting Nursery or Reception to school, and a meeting helps parents prepare them for its routines. Families of children already known to have SEND can meet senior staff or the SEND coordinator, allowing concerns to be discussed before the child starts.
Communication continues through informal discussions, information sessions and parents’ evenings. Achievement stars and termly questionnaires let families contribute examples of learning at home, so staff can hear about developments beyond the classroom.
The school uses an Early Identification Pathway for additional needs, followed by a cycle of assessing, planning, providing support and reviewing it. Parents take part in planning, and external agencies can contribute where appropriate. Safeguarding concerns go to trained child protection officers. For children attending Castle Links after school, each afternoon session includes a snack.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. For entry in 2027–28, applications go through the Staffordshire admissions system; nursery attendance does not confer priority under that cycle’s oversubscription criteria.
The shared early years teaching team offers continuity of adults. That is a practical connection between nursery and the next stage, separate from the decision about a school place.
Nursery sessions are charged individually, with advance payment through Parent Pay. Contact the school office at office@castleprimary.co.uk or on 01782 433218 for nursery enquiries and current charges. Nursery children are encouraged to wear uniform.
Castle Links extends care during term time and accepts nursery children. Its morning session runs from 8.00am to 8.55am; afternoon options run from 3.15pm to either 4.15pm or 5.30pm. Book through the office at least 24 hours ahead and pay when booking. The club uses the school hall, with access and collection through its fire door via the staff car park. Collection must be completed by 5.30pm, a firm boundary for families arranging their working day.
The nursery uses Development Matters guidance for three- and four-year-olds.
Children use Little Wandle’s Foundation for Phonics. Nursery learning also includes mark-making, name writing, rhyme, syllables and conversations about stories.
Children starting in September have a planned summer programme of visits. Parents are invited to a meeting to help prepare their child for school routines.
No. Reception requires a separate application. For the 2027–28 intake, applications use the Staffordshire admissions system, and nursery attendance does not confer priority.
Yes. Castle Links accepts nursery children during term time. Bookings must be made at least 24 hours before the session, with payment in advance through Parent Pay. Afternoon sessions include a snack.
