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Nursery at Madeley Nursery School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Clay, compost and shadow experiments give Madeley Nursery School its character. This state nursery school on Bridle Road in Madeley, Telford, serves children aged 2 to 5, with learning organised around shared investigations and extended projects. Its Reggio Emilia inspiration gives children time to pursue an idea, discuss it and explore it through different materials.
The building has three connected bases: the Cafe, Studio and Piazza. Children spend one term in each across the year, getting to know different spaces while remaining part of the same nursery community.
Projects shape the learning. Children can return to an interest over an extended period, with adults using their photographs, recorded words and videos to understand how their thinking develops. The early years foundation stage (EYFS) covers communication, physical and social development alongside literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts. At the September 2023 inspection, those strands met in practical exploration: counting garden creatures, discussing stories and experimenting with clay or paint.
Light is a working material in the Studio. Shutters change the conditions for shadow investigations, while a projector and large screen let children develop stories and share ideas. In the Piazza, construction can grow into a tower or an ice castle. Its Lab contains Montessori mathematics materials and trays of everyday tasks, giving children opportunities to choose independently and practise precise hand movements. The whole nursery gathers for singing once a week.
Outside, two large sandpits offer different possibilities. One is covered; the outdoor Beach Sand supports imaginative stories and role play. Pipes, cars and ramps introduce movement and scientific questions through play. A bamboo forest contains bridges, tunnels and a boat, while the willow shelter offers space for stories or quieter reflection.
Ecology is practical here. Children harvest garden produce for the cafe, then return peelings to the hot compost bin. Through the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust partnership, woodland trips to Coalbrookdale connect their investigations with the local environment. In September 2023, children also grew produce alongside expert gardeners and had daily opportunities for outdoor activity and meditation. Learning includes time to pause.
Settling rests on relationships and understandable routines. The September 2023 inspection found that children adjusted quickly, with clear expectations from staff and constructive conversations with parents from the outset. Educators also offer meetings about settling, behaviour and family concerns, with an Early Help Assessment available as a collaborative way to identify support needs.
Food becomes part of the learning in the wellbeing café. Children help prepare and eat healthy food, with examples including vegetable wraps, houmous, roasted squash and smoothies. Using kitchen tools adds practical skills to the experience; foods associated with different cultures and celebrations broaden it further.
Additional support staff can work with children individually or in groups. In September 2023, needs were identified early and speech and language therapists helped children receive prompt support. Safeguarding arrangements were effective at that inspection. Physical access includes a wheelchair-accessible main entrance, a disabled toilet in the foyer and ramps from the Piazza to the secure outdoor area.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; choosing nursery provision is a separate decision.
Support with the move to primary education forms part of the educator team's family work. That offers a route for discussing a child's next step, rather than an admissions advantage.
Part-time and full-time places are offered, with enquiries handled by the school office. Children may start from the term after their second birthday, subject to a place being available. A waiting list operates when the nursery is full.
The office handles enquiries about 15 and 30 hours funding options. Contact the school for current charges. Families interested in their child remaining until statutory school age, the term after turning 5, should discuss this with their keyworker and the headteacher.
Children can start from the term after their second birthday if a place is available. The nursery operates a waiting list when full.
Reggio Emilia inspired projects allow children to investigate an interest over time. Art, discussion, construction and outdoor exploration provide different ways to develop their ideas.
Yes. The wellbeing café involves children in preparing and eating healthy food, including wraps, houmous, smoothies and roasted squash.
Additional staff can support individuals or groups, and the nursery works with outside agencies. In September 2023, children received timely help through partners including speech and language therapists.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
