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Nursery at Ravensmead 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories extend beyond the reading corner at Ravensmead: nursery children have taken a bear hunt into the Forest School area, using grass, mud and trees to explore their topic. That connection between books and practical experience gives this school nursery its character.
Based on Chapel Street in Bignall End, the nursery admits children in the academic year in which they turn four, with up to 30 places per session. It belongs to the school's early years provision, which Ofsted graded Good at the inspection on 8 and 9 May 2024. That judgement covers early years together, rather than awarding the nursery a separate grade.
The nursery day runs from 9am to 3pm. Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with its seven areas brought together through activities children choose and tasks adults guide. For parents, the practical distinction is between children exploring an interest themselves and staff introducing something deliberately.
Daily phonics begins in nursery. Stories, songs and rhymes give children opportunities to practise listening throughout the day, while role play includes making written messages. Painting, chalk and play dough also support early writing. Children give meaning to their marks before moving towards recognisable words. A classroom reading area keeps books within the learning environment.
Maths combines small-group teaching with resources children can explore independently. Learning happens outdoors as well as inside, sometimes through a Traditional Tales theme. The Puddles scheme supports religious education across early years. These approaches connect learning to stories and experiences rather than treating each subject as an isolated lesson.
Outdoor activity has concrete settings: the Forest School area and the school field. Nursery children have used the field for a litter pick, turning care for the environment into a task they can undertake themselves. A past trip to Lower Drayton Farm extended learning beyond school grounds. These are examples of nursery experiences, rather than a fixed timetable of outings.
A nursery teacher also holds the early years SEND coordinator role, alongside nursery teaching assistants. Families can send non-urgent messages to nursery staff by email; absence and other enquiries go through the main office. This gives parents distinct routes for classroom questions and day-to-day administration.
Emotional learning is practical too. In May 2024, early years children used pictures and puppets to help them talk about feelings. The school also has speech and language therapy support one day a week, working with children and training staff.
Lunch allows a choice between food from home and a hot meal. Nursery hot lunches follow a three-week menu cycle and include a drink and dessert with the main meal. Payments go through ParentPay, and staff take children's meal choices each day. Families choosing a packed lunch also let staff know, so the lunchtime arrangement is clear.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route. Staffordshire's Citizen Portal handles that application; for September 2026 entry, the deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past.
Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions. Time spent learning within the school does not replace the Reception application process.
Ravensmead offers 30 hours of nursery provision. Eligible families can use 30-hour childcare funding, while a top-up option extends the universal 15 hours. Attendance can be flexible, although the school recommends full-time attendance or a consistent pattern of sessions. That recommendation favours a predictable weekly routine.
Nursery applications go directly to the school, with completed enrolment forms delivered to the office or posted. Contact the office on 01782 987130 for enquiries; school visits can also be arranged. Ask the school for current charges for top-up hours and meals.
The school uniform combines a yellow polo shirt and royal blue jumper, cardigan or sweatshirt with grey or black bottoms. Families may buy it from any supplier provided the colours and style meet the requirements.
The nursery day runs from 9am to 3pm. Attendance can be flexible, and the school recommends full-time attendance or consistent sessions.
Nursery children have daily phonics, alongside stories, rhymes and songs. Drawing, painting, chalk and play dough give them opportunities to practise making marks and explaining their meaning.
Yes. Children can bring lunch from home or have a hot meal. Let nursery staff know which option your child is having.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal route. For the past September 2026 intake, applications went through Staffordshire's Citizen Portal with a deadline of 15 January 2026.
Contact the school office on 01782 987130. Nursery applications are made directly to Ravensmead, and completed enrolment forms can be handed in or posted.
