Corbett VA CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Buttercup brings nursery and Reception together in one class at Corbett VA CofE Primary School in Bobbington. That shared class is the defining feature of this provision: families are choosing a nursery within the school’s early years team, with a class teacher, an EYFS key worker and teaching assistants.

The Church of England setting gives the nursery its wider context. Corbett’s High Five values pair kindness with courage, thankfulness, honesty and love. The school aims to help children care for each other and treat others respectfully, placing personal development alongside learning. For parents, that makes the Christian ethos part of the choice of setting.

Dinosaur footprints give a concrete glimpse of early years learning here. On 6 March 2024, Ofsted found that children developed their understanding of number through effective activities, including measuring dinosaur footprints and comparing their sizes. The task connects mathematical language with something children can investigate, giving number work a practical purpose.

This is the clearest example of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) in action at Corbett: children build mathematical understanding through an activity rather than number work alone. The school also aims for children to work together, learn independently and develop curiosity. Those aims put both shared learning and children’s own exploration into the educational picture.

Reading implementation. In March 2024, the school’s newly introduced phonics programme was being taught inconsistently, with staff support and checks on delivery needing attention. This was a school-wide concern, rather than a separate nursery judgement, but it is relevant context for families considering their child’s early education.

An EYFS key worker forms part of the Buttercup staffing structure alongside the teacher and teaching assistants. This gives families a distinct early years role within the team. For everyday questions, parents can contact the school office by telephone or email.

Safeguarding concerns are recorded and monitored through CPOMS, and an urgent concern can be emailed to the designated safeguarding lead during holidays as well as term time. These are school-wide arrangements covering the nursery’s school setting.

Safeguarding follow-through. In March 2024, improvements were required to safeguarding training records, meetings between safeguarding leaders and leadership capacity. Families should keep those specific actions in view when considering the school’s care arrangements.

Sharing Buttercup class with Reception children does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate: families must make a fresh application through the normal Reception process by the applicable deadline. Treat the shared classroom arrangement as an educational structure, rather than an admission entitlement.

The school is on Six Ashes Road, Bobbington, Stourbridge, DY7 5DU. Nursery enquiries can go to office@corbett.staffs.sch.uk or 01384 221260. Parents wishing to visit can arrange this through the school office, giving families a direct route to see the setting before making their choice.