St Saviour's CofE Academy Nursery Review

Listening for rhymes and tackling rainbow challenges give the nursery at St Saviour's CofE Academy its learning character. Play has a purpose here: adults help children practise new ideas, with language development receiving close attention. The nursery forms part of the school's early years provision on Congleton Road in Talke.

Children join in the academic year in which they turn four. In March 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school's early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating. Children were making a positive start, with learning organised to build progressively across the curriculum.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together children's early learning and development. Here, activities cover all areas of learning, and adults use planned play to revisit what children have been taught. Rainbow challenges are one example: they encourage children to practise learning across the curriculum. This gives play a clear educational purpose.

Language is woven into that work. In March 2026, adults were introducing the mathematical vocabulary first, second and third, then encouraging children to use those words themselves. The emphasis is on using new language, rather than simply hearing it. Staff interactions generally helped children strengthen existing understanding and take their learning further.

Within Nursery, children explore the sounds they hear in words and recognise rhyming words. These are concrete early steps towards understanding how spoken language works. Across early years, children also develop a pencil grip that supports their first attempts at forming letters.

Contact with families starts before children begin. In March 2026, communication between early years staff and parents was effective, and parents took an active part in learning. Watch me learn sessions bring families into school, while an online learning journal allows them to contribute to their child's learning record. The connection works in both directions.

An early years teacher is part of the teaching and leadership team. For families with concerns about special educational needs or disabilities, the school's SENCo team can be reached through the office by telephone or email. That provides a direct route for discussing a child's needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer priority under the admission criteria. Families must make a separate Reception application through Staffordshire County Council's admissions route. The School Admissions Team allocates Reception places, so joining the nursery and obtaining a school place are separate decisions.

Preparation for the change has its own practical steps. During the summer term before a September Reception start, children are invited to meet their teacher and become familiar with their classroom. These visits give children a chance to know the people and room involved in their next stage; they do not change the admissions position.

The early years day runs from 8:40am to 3:15pm, with classroom doors opening at 8:40am. Nursery provision combines funded and paid attendance. Families should contact the school for current charges.

Registration goes through the school office during the school day. Contact the team on 01782 433300 or at stsavioursoffice@sbmat.org. There are nursery intakes in January, April and September, giving families more than one starting point during the year.