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Nursery at St Thomas' CofE Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, rhymes and learning shaped around children's interests give this nursery its starting point. Children can join from age 2, within St Thomas' CofE Primary Academy in Kidsgrove. This is nursery provision within a Church of England primary school, with the school's Christian values forming part of its educational aims.
The emphasis is on individual development. The nursery adapts its curriculum to children's needs and interests, allowing children's needs and interests to shape their learning.
Language begins with listening. At the December 2023 inspection, stories and rhymes introduced from the start of nursery were found to support children's speech and language development well. That gives these familiar activities a clear purpose: helping young children develop the language they need to communicate.
The school's early years foundation stage (EYFS) aims connect movement, speaking, thinking, emotional development and spiritual growth. In parent terms, the intended learning extends beyond early academic skills to how children express themselves and develop as people. Relationships and curiosity are central to that ambition. The school aims to help children become increasingly independent and interested in learning, working with parents and carers towards those goals.
Christian values also become activities children can take part in. During the school's 40 Days of Kindness project, nursery children helped teach kindness towards family and friends alongside other younger classes. This gave the school's values a practical expression through something young children could understand.
For concerns about special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the first contact is the child's class teacher. A small specialist SEND team works within the school, with a coordinator and deputy coordinator. Families can arrange either a telephone conversation or an in-person meeting through the office, giving them a clear route beyond the initial classroom discussion.
The school aims to include children in every aspect of school life and works with parents and carers towards that aim. For a family considering nursery, that makes discussion of their child's individual needs part of the relationship with staff.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; choosing this nursery should therefore remain a decision about the nursery experience itself.
For the September 2026 Reception intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is past. For Reception application information, families are directed to www.gov.uk/schools-admissions/applying.
Breakfast Club starts at 7:30, and breakfast and after-school care cover children aged 2 to 11. Registration through the front office is required before using either club. Breakfast Club uses the school's front entrance, where staff register children.
After-school availability. EYFS places are capped at 13 and allocated in booking order. Bookings must be made by the preceding Friday; same-day bookings depend on space. Staff take booked children from their class to the club and sign them in, providing a defined handover between the two parts of the day.
The nursery's funding offer includes up to 15 weekly hours for children aged 3 and 4 during term time, with up to 30 hours for eligible children. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery enquiries and school visits can be arranged by calling 01782 787099.
Children can start from age 2.
Stories and rhymes begin when children start nursery. In December 2023, this was found to support speech and language development well.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
Yes. Breakfast and after-school care are available to children aged 2 to 11. Registration is required, and after-school attendance must be booked subject to space.
Speak to the child's class teacher first. The school office can arrange an in-person or telephone meeting with the SEND team.
