Astley CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Ash Class brings nursery and Reception children together within Astley CofE Primary School. That shared class is the defining feature here: nursery belongs within the school’s early years provision, giving children a familiar class context as they approach school age.

In May 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Strong standard. This judgement covers early years as a whole rather than a separately inspected nursery. The strongest features were teaching that responds to children’s starting points, support for language and independence, and activities indoors and outside.

Learning starts with understanding the child. In May 2026, staff assessed children’s existing knowledge during transition and used those assessments to adjust what they taught. Where gaps emerged, additional teaching addressed them promptly. Children across early years progressed quickly, making this a provision where individual starting points shape the learning.

The early years foundation stage brings learning and development together. At Astley, the early years findings describe adults extending children’s speech, ideas and independence through conversation and demonstration. Reading receives close attention, while activities such as cooking and climbing help children practise judging risk. These are practical experiences with a learning purpose.

Classrooms and outdoor learning spaces provide activities across children’s development. The wider school grounds contain a vegetable garden, a forest school area, two playgrounds and a playing field. These give the school a substantial physical setting for outdoor learning, although they should be distinguished from the nursery’s own daily timetable.

Familiar routines matter too. In May 2026, early years children understood the expectations and followed routines independently, helping them take increasing responsibility for their activities.

Knowing children well translates into practical support. In May 2026, early years staff adjusted learning so children could participate, and worked in close partnership with families. For parents, that connection matters because knowledge of the child informs both teaching and the support around it.

Across the school, concerns about development are discussed with parents before staff begin a cycle of assessment, planning, support and review. Visual timetables, task boards and ear defenders are among the tools used to adapt learning. These provide concrete ways to clarify activities or respond to sensory needs.

Specialist involvement is discussed with families first. The school’s partners include the Specialist Early Years’ Service and speech and language therapists. Parents can discuss needs with the SEND coordinator at send@astley.worcs.sch.uk, providing a direct contact alongside the class team.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no admissions priority. Families must make a separate school application. For September 2027 entry, Worcestershire residents apply online through Worcestershire school admissions by 15th January 2027; families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority.

Transition support is a separate matter. A parent session in the summer term lets families meet the class teacher and SEND coordinator. At least three taster sessions take place in the second half of that term. This gives families opportunities to discuss support and children time to become familiar with the next stage, while the application still follows the normal admissions process.

Astley Nursery operates from 8.30am to 3pm. Its finishing time is useful to weigh against the family’s working day and collection arrangements.

For a school tour, telephone the office on 01299 822002. Enquiries can also go to office@astley.worcs.sch.uk. The school is on School Lane in Astley, Stourport-on-Severn, DY13 0RH.