Little Seedlings Nursery at Priorslee Academy

Indoor and outdoor play, circle-time rhymes and a familiar weekly routine shape Little Seedlings, Priorslee Academy’s three-year-old provision in Telford. Its pre-school building hosts lunchtime care, while breakfast and after-school clubs use the main school building. That gives the nursery day its own base, with additional care extending into the wider school.

In June 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years across the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection. Learning experiences encouraged independence and curiosity, although consistency in teaching was still developing.

Morning and afternoon sessions follow a recognisable pattern. Children start with a welcome, then a focus activity at 9am or 12.45pm. Time for children to choose their own play follows, using indoor and outdoor areas. Circle time brings together conversation, rhymes, songs and stories; fruit and snacks come at 10.15am or 2.15pm. The rhythm combines adult direction with space for children’s own interests.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning with children’s development and care. Here, the daily mix gives children opportunities to talk, listen, explore and make choices. Nursery phonics uses Foundations for Phonics (Tuning into Sounds), making attention to sounds a named part of the learning programme.

The June 2026 early years findings show how practical play can carry several kinds of learning. Children chose ice cream and toppings, ordered them and used cards or coins to pay. The activity combined language with early maths. Across early years, adults generally used planned activities and conversation to extend understanding, and phonics supported early reading. These findings concern the school’s early years provision as a whole.

Settling can take time. Little Seedlings supports a transition period during the first term, alongside a regular attendance pattern intended to help children build relationships and become familiar with routines. In June 2026, early years relationships helped children feel secure, and established routines helped them settle and participate.

Tapestry gives parents access to a personal online learning journal containing photographs, observations and comments. Families can contribute their own pictures and comments too. This creates a connection between experiences at nursery and home.

Drinks and session snacks are included. At lunchtime, children can bring sandwiches or have a hot meal, with lunch supervision charged separately. Parents provide dietary and allergy information and consent for food, fruit and milk, so care arrangements start with the child’s needs.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review to organise support and involves parents in termly discussions. June 2026 early years findings showed staff increasingly adjusting activities so children with SEND could participate with their peers. The developing consistency of those adjustments matters when discussing a child’s individual support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Telford & Wrekin Council. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027 for ordinary on-time applications; children with an EHCP naming the school have a closing date of 31 October 2026.

Nursery attendance gives no priority under the 2027-28 arrangements. After children with an EHCP naming Priorslee are admitted, priority follows looked-after and previously looked-after status, qualifying staff-parent status, siblings attending at admission and distance. Familiarity with the school does not change that allocation.

Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEND moving between classes, staff arrange a chance to meet the next teacher and share support information, helping maintain continuity.

Choose five morning sessions, five afternoon sessions or three to five full days each week. Mornings run from 8.45am to 11.45am, afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, and full days from 8.45am to 3.30pm. Requested hours become confirmed only when the contract arrives; changes are made termly.

There are 15-hour funded places and 30-hour places for eligible families supplying a childcare code. Non-funded hours, lunch supervision and additional clubs carry charges. Ask the school for current charges. Breakfast Club runs from 7.45am to 8.45am; after-school care ends at 4.15pm.

Return the nursery application to the school office, which then contacts families about availability. Tours can be arranged on 01952 387 927. Collection requires an authorised adult and the collection password.