Weston Infant Academy Nursery Review

A purpose-built Foundation Stage classroom and its own outdoor area give Weston Infant Academy’s nursery a clear early-years base within the school. This is provision for children aged three and four, on West Street in Weston Coyney, Stoke-on-Trent. Nursery children share the Foundation Stage classroom with Reception children, placing their first school experiences in a familiar early-years setting.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 27 and 28 September 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Communication comes first. In September 2023, early-years learning gave particular attention to children’s language development, while children showed curiosity and growing independence. For parents, that emphasis matters beyond early reading: expressing an idea or explaining a need is part of becoming more confident in a group.

The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with teachers assessing children against developmental milestones. In parent terms, staff check how learning is developing and what a child is working towards. Monster Phonics introduces nursery children to phonics, giving early reading a named teaching programme.

Maths combines brief whole-class teaching with activities that remain accessible throughout the week, indoors or outside. Themes can include seasons or dinosaurs. Staff support and challenge children during these activities, so the group session is followed by opportunities to return to the learning through the room’s theme. White Rose schemes help organise the federation’s maths teaching into smaller learning steps.

Space supports that pattern. Alongside the large Foundation Stage classroom, the Infant site has a dedicated Foundation Stage outdoor area and a Forest Schools area. The indoor and outdoor maths activities give children more than one place to revisit their learning.

A Nursery Lead forms part of the teaching team. For children with special educational needs or disabilities, support planning begins before they join: a transition meeting brings together relevant staff, professionals and outside agencies to agree the arrangements needed. This gives families a practical starting point for discussing their child’s needs.

Adjustments can address the curriculum, physical surroundings and pastoral support. Wheelchair access, lifts and accessible toilets are provided at both federation sites. Parents can contact the Infant school office to speak with the special educational needs coordinator.

Behaviour expectations also begin early. In September 2023, children in the early years behaved well and understood what staff expected of them, giving the learning day a clear social framework.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Weston Infant Academy. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Stoke-on-Trent City Council manages the coordinated application process, using a common application form that can be completed online; parents name three schools in preference order.

Sharing a Foundation Stage classroom offers continuity of surroundings. It should be considered separately from the allocation of a Reception place.

The nursery day runs from 9.00am to 3.00pm, Monday to Friday, making 30 hours each week. Doors open at 8.45am. Children are expected to attend for the full 30-hour week, an important consideration when matching the nursery to family routines.

Thirty-hour funded placements are offered for three- and four-year-olds. Working parents accessing this childcare funding must supply their code to the school.

For nursery enquiries or to arrange a tour, telephone 01782 319607. The Infant school office can also be reached at wcioffice@sbmat.org. The nursery is at Weston Infant Academy, West Street, Weston Coyney, ST3 6PT.