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Nursery at St Dominic's Priory School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Daily outdoor activity and conversation give this pre-school its character. St Dominic's Priory School's nursery sits within the prep school in Stone, part of an independent Catholic school welcoming boys and girls from age three. Children of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome.
In October 2025, the pre-school had a small number of children. In October 2025, children younger than the school's registered minimum age were attending. Parents should confirm the current registered entry age. In October 2025, early-years children were becoming more independent and confident in their learning. That matters for families seeking a school nursery where learning includes making choices and explaining ideas, alongside early reading and number skills.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings language, physical development and social learning together with the beginnings of literacy and mathematics. Here, the early-years curriculum covers the required learning areas, with activities developing letter sounds, number understanding and handwriting. In October 2025, children were making good progress. Adults developed conversations with children, helping them explain their interests and decisions rather than simply answer questions.
Outdoor provision extends the indoor learning space. Daily physical activity develops balance, movement control and awareness of space, giving children opportunities to practise skills with their whole bodies. Established routines helped children feel settled and take part confidently in October 2025.
Learning also reaches beyond school. Early-years outings have included local farms, theatres, Cannock Chase and Stone itself, connecting classroom learning with places children can explore. Social skills receive direct attention too: adults teach children to take turns, share and play together. These are practical foundations for joining a group and forming friendships.
A pre-school teacher holds a degree and postgraduate teaching qualification. Early-years staff share children's achievements with parents and help families support learning at home. That makes communication useful beyond a progress update: parents receive guidance they can put into practice.
SEND support includes the EYFS. Children receiving this support have an Individual Education Plan, using a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review. Talk Boost is among the targeted options for EYFS children with communication needs. Where additional needs have already been identified, the SEND coordinator gathers information from the previous setting and may visit before entry, helping staff understand the child before they start.
Lunch is included in pre-school fees. There is also a care concern to weigh. In October 2025, children having a snack were, on one occasion, not continuously supervised by staff trained in paediatric first aid. In October 2025, an earlier snack slot was introduced so appropriately trained staff could supervise. The same inspection found that some staff needed more training and guidance to apply first aid and allergy-response procedures confidently and consistently. Leaders were also asked to ensure staff consistently followed supervision, first aid and medicines procedures. First aid supervision. Families should weigh the corrected snack-time lapse alongside these wider training concerns when assessing everyday care.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception application arrangements and deadlines directly with the school; keep that decision separate from choosing the nursery.
Familiarity can still help the classroom transition. Children in prep visit their next class before moving up, and SEND transition arrangements include agreeing with parents what information is passed on. These practices support continuity of care and learning; they do not establish an admissions advantage.
The 2025/26 pre-school arrangements offered mornings from 7:30am to 1pm and full days from 7:30am to 3:20pm. The minimum commitment was four mornings or three full days each week, with charges applying to booked sessions missed. Those patterns require a substantial weekly commitment.
Early Education Funding is available from the term after a child's third birthday, with 15 or 30 funded hours subject to eligibility. Eligibility continues through the term in which a child turns five. Pre-school fees include stationery, returnable textbooks and personal accident insurance as well as lunch; individual drama or music lessons and some trips are charged separately. Ask the school for current charges.
After-school care runs from 3:20pm until 6pm for pre-school and primary children and includes a light bite. Families can make an initial enquiry online or call 01785 814181. Individual guided tours can be arranged, allowing parents to discuss the nursery day directly with the team.
The school welcomes children from age three, with pre-school forming part of its prep provision. However, the ISI inspection of 21 to 23 October 2025 identified operation outside the school's youngest registered age. Confirm the current registered entry age directly with the school.
The 2025/26 arrangements offered mornings from 7:30am to 1pm or full days from 7:30am to 3:20pm, with a minimum of four mornings or three full days per week.
Early Education Funding is available from the term after a child turns three. The 15 or 30 hours depend on eligibility and can continue through the term in which the child turns five.
Yes. Pre-school fees include lunch, stationery, returnable textbooks and personal accident insurance. Individual music or drama lessons and some trips are separate extras.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should confirm Reception application arrangements and deadlines directly with the school.
