St James's CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Natural materials and imaginative play give the early years at St James's their character. The on-site pre-school sits within the Church of England primary school in Wollaston. This is a school setting with its own early childhood approach.

At the inspection on 27 and 28 June 2023, governors managed the pre-school provision, which included children from two years upwards. Ofsted rated the school's early years provision Good and found the provision for two-year-olds effective. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately graded nursery.

The Curiosity Approach influences everyday early years practice. Real objects and natural resources are used for imaginative play, with children encouraged to decide how materials might be used. The purpose is practical: play becomes an opportunity to talk, develop ideas and extend vocabulary, rather than simply complete an activity with a predetermined result.

Adult-directed learning sits alongside play that children initiate. Planning takes account of individual interests and ways of learning, while selected books give topics their starting point. For parents, that means children's own ideas have a place alongside activities organised by staff.

The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, connects learning across seven areas. Language, movement and emotional development sit alongside early mathematics, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. The emphasis also falls on exploring, persisting when something is difficult and finding ways to solve problems. These are habits children practise through play.

Outdoors, the school's Forest Friends programme uses a woodland area being developed on the school field. Its activities follow children's interests and involve practical exploration. The school gives all children an opportunity to participate during the year, with weather monitored and activities moved partly or wholly indoors when necessary.

For a child with additional needs, the school's SEND policy sets out a cycle of assessment, planning, support and review. Parents contribute to decisions about adjustments and interventions, with a review date agreed. That gives families a defined role in shaping support and checking whether it needs to change.

The Integrated Early Years Service is among the external services the school may involve for pre-school children. Referrals are discussed and agreed with parents. The SENCO coordinates provision and works with families, staff and outside agencies; the school office can arrange an appointment.

Transition support is also addressed in the SEND policy. Records pass to teaching staff and the SEN team, and additional meetings with families or an enhanced transition can be arranged where appropriate. These additional transition arrangements depend on the child's needs.

Attending the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions route; the school's admissions page directs them to DMBC School Admissions Procedures. Treat the nursery decision and the Reception application as separate steps.

Curriculum continuity. In June 2023, subject leaders' understanding of how early years learning prepared children for later primary learning needed strengthening. Closer planning between the early years team and subject leaders was required. For families, the relevant issue is how learning connects across stages, separately from whether a Reception place is allocated.

Enquiries and school tours go through the main office: call 01384 283701 or email info@st-james.dudley.sch.uk. A tour offers a way to see the learning environment before making a decision.

For Forest Friends sessions, clothing needs to suit the weather. Long trousers, long sleeves, wellies and waterproof outerwear are specified, with sun hats also included in the kit list. Outdoor exploration therefore brings a practical clothing requirement for participating children.