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Nursery at Sandford Hill 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Strawberry, Pear and Orange give Sandford Hill’s nursery its small-group identity: children belong to three family groups within the school’s early years provision. The nursery admits three-year-olds and has 39 full-time places. Its classroom occupies the left-hand side of the FSU building behind the main school, giving the youngest children a distinct base on the school site.
In October 2023, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
The day runs from 8:50am until 3:00pm, with lunch between 11:20am and 12:20pm. A morning bagel and afternoon fruit and milk punctuate the routine. For families, this is a full school-day pattern rather than a choice of short sessions.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The nursery aims to give children room to pursue their interests, communicate ideas and develop independence through a structured curriculum. Creative play includes painting, junk modelling and Disco Dough. These give a more concrete picture of the activities than a list of subjects alone.
Early reading has a named approach: Twinkl Phonics, with daily phonics teaching beginning in Nursery. Children also borrow story books to enjoy at home and visit the local library, extending the reading routine beyond the classroom. Nursery rhyme workshops form part of the school’s partnership with The Hallé Orchestra through the City Learning Trust. Stories, sounds and songs all have a place here.
In October 2023, curriculum planning included early years, with knowledge, vocabulary and skills sequenced so that children could build on earlier learning. Reading sessions and story times also supported the early years reading curriculum.
Settling starts before the first full day. Summer Stay and Play visits give each child three opportunities to spend time in early years, spread across six weeks on alternate weeks. A June evening introduces new parents to the provision. Home visits follow in the first week of the school year, then induction builds gradually during weeks two and three. Children reach full-time attendance by the Friday of week three, so families need to plan for a phased start.
Toilet training is supported rather than used as a barrier to entry. A Family Support Worker works with parents before children join; children are asked to wear underwear and bring clean replacements. Staff change children whenever needed during toilet training. Discussing those routines before starting gives parents and staff a shared plan.
Food is part of the daily care routine: alongside the bagel, afternoon milk and fruit, nursery children have school lunches. One lunch included beans, a hash brown and an oatcake, followed by brownie; this is an example meal, rather than a standing menu.
The school’s SEND team includes a SENDCo and SEN Welfare Practitioner, while an Inclusion Leader provides another route for support. Parents can discuss needs with the team, with information and meetings arranged as required.
Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives admission priority. Families must make a separate Reception application through Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s normal admissions route, meeting the deadline for their application year. Places are allocated by the local authority, and which nursery a child previously attended makes no difference.
Familiarity is a separate benefit from admission. Reception teachers read stories to nursery children, giving them contact with the next teaching team before the move. That transition activity does not change how places are allocated.
Places are full time, covering 30 hours each week. The local authority funds 15 hours, Monday to Friday from 9:00am to noon. Afternoon provision is charged unless covered by government funding for working parents working 16 hours or more weekly. Contact the school for current charges and to confirm the funding arrangement for your family.
Nursery applications can be made directly to the school office, and prospective parents can arrange a nursery visit by appointment. Enquiries can go to office@sandfordhill.org.uk or 01782 235518.
For winter, the EYFS uniform combines a white polo shirt and red sweatshirt or cardigan with grey trousers or a skirt and black shoes. Label clothing clearly, and pack spare underwear for changing.
The nursery admits three-year-olds and has 39 full-time places.
The nursery day starts at 8:50am and finishes at 3:00pm. Lunch is from 11:20am to 12:20pm, and places cover 30 hours a week.
No. Attendance gives neither a guarantee nor priority. A separate Reception application is required through Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s normal admissions route.
Admission is not refused because a child is still toilet training. The Family Support Worker helps parents prepare, and children should wear underwear and bring clean spares.
Yes. Prospective nursery parents can make an appointment to visit the setting through the school office.
