The William Amory Primary School Nursery Review

Messy play, familiar songs and learning to manage a coat give William Amory’s nursery its everyday character. Children can join from age two, and the provision has 30 nursery places within The William Amory Primary School in Blythe Bridge. A nursery manager, two deputy managers and nursery staff make up the team.

At the June 2024 Ofsted inspection, early years provision was graded Good within the school’s inspection. That judgement covers the early years together; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Creative and messy activities take place outdoors as well as indoors, so practical clothing matters more than keeping an outfit spotless. Children are encouraged to handle their own shoes and coats, with easy fastenings helping them practise independence. A peg holds their bag of spare clothing, ready for a change after play.

Learning follows the Foundation Stage curriculum and its seven learning areas. Staff observe children regularly, record their development through the Foundation Stage Profile and share progress with parents. This connects what children do during a session with an ongoing picture of their learning.

In June 2024, language development was a clear early years focus. Songs and rhymes helped children extend their vocabulary and speaking skills, while early years children learned the sounds represented by letters. Nursery behaviour was good: established routines helped children work and learn together. For a young child, those repeated expectations make participation in a group part of learning, alongside words and sounds.

Settling can include a parent staying for a while during the first days, with staff advising if a child finds separation difficult. Parents are encouraged to explain their return using a familiar point in the day, such as lunch or story time. If a problem arises after a parent leaves, staff will contact them.

Conversation at collection or drop-off sits alongside telephone and email contact. An electronic messaging service sends urgent texts and weekly newsletters, so keeping contact details current matters. Regular feedback on development gives families another way to follow their child’s progress.

Food depends on the booking: the six-hour Nursery Day includes snacks and lunch, while the Full Day includes all meals and snacks. For SEND concerns, parents can approach the class teacher or SEND coordinator. Support may begin with classroom adjustments or small-group work; where a support plan is needed, reviews involve parents at least termly. Specialist advice may include Speech and Language Therapy.

Medication during a nursery session requires a prescription specifying that timing and a completed medicine form. Insulin and other medication require an initial meeting, care planning and a risk assessment with the family.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; Staffordshire’s school admissions service is the route for admissions enquiries and arrangements.

Transition support is a separate matter. As general arrangements for joining the school, families of children with SEND can meet the SEND coordinator to discuss needs and provision. A multi-agency transition meeting is proposed for children joining with a high level of need or an Education, Health and Care Plan. General transition preparation may include extra visits and information sharing, where possible and appropriate to the individual child.

Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, afternoons from noon to 3pm, and the Nursery Day from 9am to 3pm. The Full Day runs from 7.30am to 5.45pm. Afternoon and Nursery Day collection can extend to 3.15pm for an additional charge. Book sessions with nursery staff and contact the nursery for current charges.

For three- and four-year-olds, funded provision is up to 15 hours weekly over 38 weeks, starting in the term following the third birthday. These hours can be stretched across 48 weeks. Working parents meeting the earnings criteria could qualify for up to 30 hours over 38 weeks; the confirmation code must be verified, with additional hours claimable from the term after parents receive it.

Booking commitments. Refunds are not offered, and bookings are expected to be honoured once staffing has been arranged. Factor that into changing attendance plans.

Call 01782 394900, choosing the nursery option, or email nursery@williamamory.staffs.sch.uk. Tours can be arranged by telephone. Collection and drop-off use the Uttoxeter Road nursery entrance; the main entrance and offices are on Stallington Road.