Longwood Primary School Nursery Review

Child-chosen play and daily teaching in phonics and mathematics share the day at Longwood’s nursery. For children aged 3–4, this means opportunities to follow their interests alongside activities directed by adults. Qualified teachers work with support staff, giving the provision a classroom team structure within Longwood Primary School.

The nursery belongs to a small primary school in Mile Oak, Tamworth, with one class per year group. Its emphasis is on language, relationships and practical exploration. Longwood aims to develop independence and confidence as well as early learning skills, so preparation for school involves more than letters and numbers.

Play is the starting point. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with Birth to 5 Matters informing its approach. In practice, children explore and make choices while adults plan learning around their development and interests. The curriculum covers seven learning areas, with communication and vocabulary receiving particular attention.

Daily adult-led mathematics and phonics sit alongside activities initiated by children. That gives the day both choice and structure: children can pursue an interest, then join focused teaching that introduces early number and literacy skills. Hands-on experiences are part of the approach, rather than learning being confined to adult instruction.

Learning uses both outdoor and indoor environments. Staff adjust plans to children’s interests, assess their starting points and divide learning into manageable steps. This gives the team a way to adapt activities to a child’s stage of development rather than expecting everyone to follow an identical path.

The staffing structure includes a nursery class teacher and an inclusion support assistant specialising in early years. For families whose child needs additional support, the school office provides the contact route to the special educational needs coordinator (SENDCo). That gives parents a clear starting point for discussing their child’s needs.

Working with families is part of the nursery’s approach to understanding children’s interests and individual needs. Longwood aims to support wellbeing and positive relationships alongside learning, making those conversations relevant to the child’s daily experience.

A school lunch forms part of the nursery day, with snacks and refreshments also offered. The school’s kitchen and dining facility is called The Oaks Diner, and catering is prepared in-house. Meals can be booked through ParentPay; dietary and allergy queries go to the office. Families can therefore discuss food requirements through the same contact route used for nursery enquiries.

Attending Longwood’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for school as two separate decisions.

Within nursery, daily phonics and mathematics, attention to language, and opportunities to develop independence are intended to prepare children for their next stage. That preparation concerns learning and confidence; it does not secure admission.

The nursery day runs from 8.30am to 2.45pm. Funded places for 15 or 30 hours are offered, with additional hours charged separately. Lunch, snacks and refreshments also carry a charge. Contact the school for current charges.

The Chestnut Club adds morning care from 7.30am to 8.30am and afternoon care from 3pm to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. A later finish at 5.30pm operates Monday to Thursday. Club sessions exclude food and drinks, and advance booking and payment are required. The nursery finishes before the afternoon club starts, so these times matter when planning collection.

For a nursery application form, telephone 01827 213970 or email office@longwood.staffs.sch.uk.