The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Cheadle 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play in the café, outdoor learning sheds and early counting games give Cheadle Primary School’s nursery its character. This is provision within the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), where early years classes learn alongside one another and children’s interests help shape activities. The emphasis is on practical exploration, with adults guiding learning as well as giving children room to choose.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 28 and 29 June 2022. That judgement covers the early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Extended play sits alongside activities planned and led by adults. In everyday terms, the EYFS here means learning through conversation, practical tasks and experiences, with staff observing children and adjusting what comes next. Themes connect activities, while children can move freely between choices. Independence has a practical place in the day.
Outside, the learning sheds provide space for role play and other activities. The outdoor area extends the classroom’s learning, rather than serving only as a break from it. A wellbeing garden in the Nursery/Reception area was among the projects supported by the PTFA in 2024/2025, adding another physical feature to this shared early years setting.
Speaking and listening come first in nursery phonics. Read Write Inc. is introduced during the summer term, beginning with attention to sounds and preparation for joining spoken sounds together or separating them. Shared stories also travel home, giving parents a way to take part before children can read independently.
An adapted White Rose Maths programme uses rhymes, songs, games and objects to explore number. Children practise matching a count to each object and understanding that the final number tells them how many there are. Counting is something they do, rather than simply recite.
In June 2022, some subject planning did not sufficiently consider learning before Year 1, leaving occasional gaps in connections between stages. This is a relevant caution alongside the early years judgement.
Preparation starts with conversations about the child. The early years team visits children in their existing setting and arranges summer-term home visits; staff also speak with families and review earlier learning journeys. These exchanges give adults information about interests and needs before nursery begins.
Tapestry carries some observations for families to see, and parents can add comments. Photographs and children’s creations help staff decide the next learning steps. This gives parents a concrete starting point for conversations about their child’s day.
Snacks and pauses respond to children’s needs across the morning and afternoon, with fruit and milk supplied daily. The early years lunch period runs from 11:45am to 12:45pm. Edwards and Ward provides school catering, and children can bring a packed lunch instead of choosing a hot meal. The school is nut-free.
Additional-needs support sits within the school’s SEND provision. The SENDCo works with families and specialist agencies; all staff receive training in attachment, trauma and Emotion Coaching. A deputy safeguarding lead has responsibility covering early years, giving this phase a place within the school’s safeguarding team.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions route. Staffordshire residents apply through Staffordshire County Council, while Stoke-on-Trent residents use their city council’s route. Reception places are allocated by the School Admissions and Transport Service.
For September 2026 entry, applications closed on 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. Learning together within the early years provides familiarity with the setting, but it should be kept separate from the question of securing admission.
The main school day begins at 8:30am and ends at 3pm. Gates open at 8:20am, then reopen for collection at 2:50pm. Nursery children attending part time can use the main office for drop-off or collection when their hours differ from the school day; usual collection is at classroom doors through the early years outdoor area.
Early years uniform includes a white polo shirt, black trousers, skirt or pinafore, a red CPS cardigan or sweater, and black shoes. Prospective families can arrange a visit through the school office on 01538 714890 or admin@cheadle-primary.staffs.sch.uk. General enquiries go to the same office team.
Children learn through play, conversation and practical activities. Nursery uses Read Write Inc. for early sound work and an adapted White Rose Maths programme for counting through games, songs and objects.
The early years team visits children in their current setting, arranges summer-term home visits and speaks with families about each child’s starting point.
Some observations are shared through Tapestry, where parents can view and comment on the learning recorded.
Fruit and milk are provided daily. School catering is supplied by Edwards and Ward, with packed lunches an alternative to hot meals. The school is nut-free.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal council admissions route, and nursery attendance does not guarantee a place.
