John Randall Primary School Nursery

A purpose-built classroom, secure outdoor space and a full-time early years teacher give this nursery its own identity within John Randall Primary School. The attached nursery has 48 places, and the school’s provision begins at age 3. Its home is Queen Street in Madeley, Telford.

At the inspection on 5 and 6 July 2022, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Stories and counting give a concrete picture of early learning here. In July 2022, children across early years enjoyed rhymes, singing and shared stories; number work involved counting real objects and using songs. These are approachable ways for young children to practise language and explore numbers through things they can hear and handle.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) also includes learning how to get along with others and becoming more independent. In July 2022, children formed warm relationships with adults and other children, while learning to look after their own hygiene, including their teeth. Learning therefore extended beyond stories and numbers into everyday habits.

Indoors, the nursery has a classroom built for its use, with an enclosed outside area alongside its provision. This gives children space for activity beyond the classroom. Staffing includes a full-time early years teacher, providing a teaching role specifically within this stage of learning.

Settling begins before the first nursery session. Staff make home visits in the term before children start, giving families an opportunity to discuss development and concerns in familiar surroundings. In July 2022, early years children settled successfully through routines developed jointly by staff and parents. They were confident and happy.

Lunch for nursery children runs from noon to 12.45pm. Telford and Wrekin catering prepares hot meals, with a different menu each fortnight; packed lunches are another option. Nuts and snacks containing nuts are excluded because of allergies. Grapes and similar foods must be halved lengthways, making preparation at home part of the care routine.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school invites families to a transition meeting involving relevant staff and professionals before entry. School access includes wheelchair access and movable ramps for steps. Individual support uses a Provision Map, reviewed each term with parents involved, so adjustments have a regular point for discussion. The SENDCo can also provide advice to families.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process administered by the Borough of Telford and Wrekin, meeting the deadline for their entry year.

Familiarity and admission are separate matters. The school’s transition practice includes children meeting their next teacher and teachers discussing learning needs with the preceding teacher. That exchange helps adults prepare for a child’s next stage; it does not secure a place.

The nursery opens at 8.30am. Nursery registration uses a separate registration form, and enquiries can be made on 01952 388390 or by emailing A2176@taw.org.uk. Families are welcome to visit before their child starts.

Communication can continue through conversations at the beginning or end of the school day. Longer discussions can be arranged through the office, while termly parent meetings provide another opportunity to talk about progress.