Ladybirds Nursery at Oulton CofE First School

Shared classrooms, open-ended play and woodland learning give Ladybirds its character. Nursery children belong to Class 1 alongside Reception, with shared indoor facilities and access to a large outdoor area. This puts the nursery within the school's early years provision from the start.

Ladybirds is managed by the school's governing body. Children can start in the term following their third birthday, with entry points in April, September and January. The school has a Church of England character; Christianity is the main focus of religious education in early years.

Children have time to follow their own interests as well as take part in activities guided by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage brings together physical development, relationships and communication with early literacy, mathematics, creative work and exploration of the world. In practical terms, play and teaching sit alongside each other rather than occupying separate parts of the curriculum.

Daily phonics sessions are part of Class 1's routine. Writing begins with movement and making marks: children use chalk, brushes, pencils, crayons and pens as they develop control. An investigation area gives early years children somewhere to explore questions for themselves. Digital activities include Mini Mash, iPads and an interactive whiteboard, with Mini Mash also accessible at home.

Outdoor learning extends beyond the classroom's free-flow outdoor access. Early years Forest School takes place in the summer term. Kibblestone Scout Camp provides the Cub Lair and Stream Site, plus access to a meadow and pond-dipping area, approximately a ten-minute walk from school. These give outdoor learning distinct spaces to explore.

At the October 2024 inspection, the early years curriculum was judged carefully planned, with accurate assessment informing subsequent learning and most children achieving well. Examples included practising letter formation and making autumn pictures with paint and natural materials gathered in the grounds: small-hand control was a deliberate teaching focus.

Two teachers share Class 1 across the week, and the staff team includes a nursery nurse. Before joining, families can attend play-and-stay sessions together, giving children a chance to explore while parents speak with staff. Teachers can also arrange a home visit. These are useful opportunities to begin building familiarity before nursery starts.

Parents can contact Class 1 directly at class1@oulton.staffs.sch.uk. Where additional support involves a referral to another agency or professional, the school informs parents and works with them to address their child's needs. That keeps families involved in the referral process.

Familiarity is the practical benefit here. Ladybirds children already use the shared facilities and know the early years team and routines. A summer-term parent information evening is followed by sessions where children take part in activities with others preparing to start Reception.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Staffordshire County Council's primary admissions route. The next application window begins on 1 November 2026, with a closing date of 15 January 2027. Treat the transition activities and the application as separate steps.

The universal 15-hour pattern runs across Monday to Wednesday: Monday and Tuesday are 8:45am to 3:20pm, while Wednesday finishes at 11:30am. Wednesday can extend to 3:20pm through purchased additional hours or use of a 30-hour code. The 30 hours may be divided between two settings. For families planning childcare, Wednesday's shorter standard session is the key distinction.

Little Stars provides before- and after-school care on the premises as an external provider. Visits to Ladybirds can be arranged through the office manager. Contact the school office on 01785 336515 or office@oulton.staffs.sch.uk to enquire or arrange an appointment; ask the school for current charges for purchased hours.