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Nursery at St Matthews Church of England Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Eight nursery places within a mixed Nursery and Reception class give St Matthews its defining shape: the youngest children learn alongside children already in their first school year. This is the academy’s own nursery in Rough Close, on Lightwood Road. Children can join in the term following their third birthday, with September, January and April entry points.
The Church of England character extends into early learning through reflection, stories and collective worship. Kindness and respect are part of that daily life. In February 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years across the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Playdough, scooters and a home corner give a concrete picture of learning here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides the mixed class, with activities adjusted to children’s development, interests and needs. In practical terms, children develop language, movement, relationships and early understanding through play and interaction. Learning takes place outside as well as indoors.
The autumn learning programme connects small movements with bigger ones. Tweezers and dough strengthen hands for drawing and writing, while obstacle courses and ball activities develop coordination. Dough Disco and Squiggle Whilst You Wiggle bring movement into daily sessions; Bee Active provides weekly PE. Children explore marks, explain their pictures and begin recognising their names. Books, songs and rhymes build listening, while pictures help children discuss a story. Maths starts with sorting, matching and comparing, alongside counting and recognising numbers 1–5.
A song basket, instruments and colour mixing support creative exploration. Seasonal walks and weather charts turn changes in the natural world into things children can notice and discuss. The February 2026 early years findings also identified carefully ordered learning and adult conversations that broaden children’s vocabulary. Talking is a deliberate part of the learning, not simply a pause between activities.
Settling centres on familiar routines and relationships. Children get to know adults, classmates and older buddies, learn how snack time works and practise hygiene. Show and tell takes place weekly, giving children a regular opportunity to share something and speak to the group. In February 2026, early years children were learning routines quickly, helping them settle and feel secure.
Family involvement includes workshops and newsletters. The early years findings in February 2026 linked this partnership with staff understanding children’s starting points and adjusting activities for individual needs, including SEND and disadvantage.
For additional support, parents can raise concerns with the class teacher, followed by the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO). Assess, Plan, Do, Review provides targets and strategies, reviewed with families each term. Where further assessment is needed, referrals can involve speech and language therapy or an educational psychologist. This gives families a defined route from an initial concern to planned support.
Sharing a class with Reception children makes the next stage part of the nursery’s everyday surroundings. It does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their entry year.
For the 2026 entry cycle, the deadline was 15th January 2026. Stoke-on-Trent’s online application system could be used by families paying council tax to the city. Treat the Reception application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.
The morning nursery session finishes at 11.50. Early years lunchtime also begins at 11.50, so that point marks the boundary between the morning session and lunch.
Children have a 15-hour funded entitlement, with 30 hours subject to eligibility. Families who do not qualify for the additional funded hours can use the 30-hour provision at a charge. Eligible families return a declaration to the office with their allocated 11-digit code. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery applications go directly to the school office, using an application form; paper copies are also an option. For enquiries, call 01782 394890 or email stmatthew@stmatthewsacademyce.org.uk. Monday is the mixed class’s PE day, when children attend in PE kit, including a plain white T-shirt and trainers or pumps.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday. Entry points are January, April and September.
There is a 15-hour entitlement, with 30 hours available subject to eligibility. Families without the additional entitlement can use the 30-hour provision at a charge.
The nursery morning session ends at 11.50.
Speak first to the class teacher. You can then arrange to discuss concerns with the SENCO through the school office.
No. Families need a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, meeting the deadline for their child’s entry year.
