The Faber Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Counting, conversation and learning to play together give Faber's early years provision its character. Nursery places are for children aged 3-4, with attendance during term time across five days each week. This is the school's own nursery on Cotton Lane in Cotton.

Nursery and Reception belong to Class 1, with a class teacher and teaching assistant. That places the nursery within the school's early years team. Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 20 and 21 May 2025; this judgement covers early years rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Morning and afternoon sessions give families a choice of attendance pattern. Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), the learning described here includes number knowledge, conversation, cooperation and exploring the world through stories. These are concrete foundations for later learning.

In May 2025, children were practising counting frequently, exploring different ways to make numbers and distinguishing odd from even. Adults introduced vocabulary through their conversations with children, making everyday talk part of the teaching. The emphasis is on understanding numbers and using language, alongside becoming accustomed to classroom routines.

Stories also introduce ideas about time. Early years children explore people's lives and jobs, compare aspects of the past with today, and use characters and events in books to develop their understanding. Design and technology begins with structures, textiles and food. Together, these give children subjects to discuss and materials and ideas to explore, rather than keeping early learning solely focused on letters and numbers.

Emotional development is part of the early years picture. In May 2025, children could regulate their feelings and cooperate in play; they also picked up routines readily and paid attention to adults. Those habits matter in a shared class, where learning includes taking part alongside other children.

Before joining, families can arrange a stay and play session through the school office. It offers a practical first introduction for parent and child.

For additional needs, the school's support process starts with the class teacher, followed by the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO). Support can involve individual work or a small group, including help with speech and language. Children on the SEND register have a Pupil Passport, with targets reviewed half termly alongside parents. This gives families a regular point at which to discuss progress and adjust support. Safeguarding concerns can be taken to the safeguarding team through the office.

Attending Faber's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Staffordshire County Council, which allocates the places. Nursery applications go directly to the school, so the two processes need separate attention.

Membership of Class 1 is a classroom arrangement. It should not be mistaken for an admissions entitlement.

Families can apply for a nursery place from the start of the school term after their child's third birthday. Applications are accepted throughout the academic year.

The nursery offers 15-hour and 30-hour provision, subject to eligibility confirmed with the school office. Its term-time pattern means families need to plan separately for school holidays.

For an application pack or to arrange a visit or stay and play session, telephone 01538 702324 or email office@faber.staffs.sch.uk. Nursery applications are handled by the school itself.