Maple Court Academy Nursery Review

Listening games, colour mixing and small-group conversation give Maple Court Academy’s nursery a clear emphasis: children learning to express themselves. The nursery forms part of the academy’s Foundation Stage in Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent. It has one class of 26 children, with two support staff members experienced in early years. September entry is for children who are three on or before 31 August.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 28 and 29 November 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Language runs through the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas of development, with an initial emphasis on movement, relationships and communication. In practice, children encounter stories, songs and rhymes alongside activities that develop new skills and vocabulary. In November 2023, early years activities were carefully organised and children showed independence and curiosity.

Daily phonics follows Little Wandle, Letters and Sounds. Nursery children work on Foundations in Phonics, concentrating on listening, recognising rhyme and blending sounds aloud. This gives the youngest children practice with the sounds of language before the next stage of reading. Across the Foundation Stage, six topics organise the year; books introduce each theme, while children’s interests can change the direction of learning. Seasonal changes and cultural traditions provide material to discuss.

Art has a tangible progression. Autumn brings free exploration of materials and drawing shapes; spring adds more detailed drawing and mixing colours. By summer, children investigate textures and ways to connect materials. Their ideas help determine what they make. Computers, programmable toys and an interactive whiteboard add different ways to explore, including drawing with shapes. Outdoors, early years children use the school grounds to investigate their surroundings and discuss changes in the weather.

Talking Time gives every nursery child small-group opportunities to develop communication. Children needing further help join Time to Talk, which concentrates on attention and listening. These are distinct layers of support, so language development is part of the ordinary nursery experience as well as a focus for additional help.

Parents contribute experiences from home, their child’s interests and developmental milestones. Termly conferences, written feedback and open events provide opportunities to follow progress. For children with special educational needs or disabilities, the academy uses Pupil Learning Plans reviewed at least three times a year, with parents involved in setting targets. The wider academy has ground-floor access for disabled users and a disabled toilet, practical details for families considering accessibility.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no attendance-based priority under the 2027/28 arrangements. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For Stoke-on-Trent families, the online route is stoke.gov.uk/admissions; the Reception closing date is 15 January 2027. Treat this as a separate decision and deadline.

Within the academy, preparation for a new year includes meeting the next teachers, sharing work and developing relationships before the academic year begins. Children with additional needs can receive more individual transition support. Familiarity with staff and routines helps prepare for a move, but it does not change the admissions position.

Visits during the school day can be arranged through the office at a mutually convenient time, with a tour and an opportunity to speak with staff. Contact 01782 970293 or office@maplecourt.uk. The academy is on Beverley Drive, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 0QD.