William Reynolds Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

A teacher-led nursery with Forest School in the grounds gives William Reynolds its early-years character: classroom learning and outdoor exploration both have a place. The nursery occupies the school site in Woodside, Telford, and shares the wider school's values and uniform.

Children normally join in the term following their third birthday. Those with two-year-old funding can begin at the start of the term in which they turn three. Both 15-hour and 30-hour provision are offered, with a number of places available for the longer pattern.

Adult teaching leads into play here. Children encounter new ideas together, practise them with an adult in smaller groups or individually, then use what they have learned in activities they choose themselves. Indoor and outdoor provision accommodate both planned tasks and children's own interests. This gives the session structure while leaving room for exploration.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical skills, relationships, early reading and maths, creativity and understanding the world. Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters support curriculum planning. Adults teach vocabulary for children to use in their play; stories and non-fiction books are revisited so that ideas become familiar.

A summer theme, The Seaside, shows how this works in the nursery. Lucy and Tom at the seaside accompanies list-writing and domestic role play; The Rainbow Fish connects with movement, painting and music. Maths includes recognising quantities up to five without counting each object, comparing amounts and creating repeating patterns. Children also explore magnets, plant and animal life cycles, and build boats to test whether they float. Books become starting points for practical discoveries.

Outside, a designated Forest School area within the grounds hosts Foundation Stage sessions with a trained member of staff. Children explore nature, work together on problems and learn about handling risks. Music has a physical setting too: Foundation Stage children can sing on a performing arts stage, experiment with instruments and use instruments outdoors. These are opportunities to try ideas through movement, sound and play.

Before starting, families receive a call from the nursery teacher to confirm they still want the place. A stay-and-play session then brings parent and child into nursery together, providing an introduction before regular attendance begins. At entry, staff observe children's interests, strengths and existing skills, using that knowledge to plan subsequent learning.

Evidence Me keeps parents connected with the nursery day. Each child has a secure online learning journal containing photographs, observations and comments, giving families concrete examples of classroom experiences to discuss at home.

Lunch can be a school dinner, charged separately, or a packed lunch from home. The lunchtime care option bridges morning and afternoon sessions. For additional needs, the school and nursery use a graduated SEND approach that begins with identifying needs early and adjusts support over time. Families can contact the SENDCo, while the wider pastoral team helps with difficulties affecting learning and family life.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. The application route is Telford and Wrekin Council's Starting School service. Treat that application as a separate task from registering for nursery.

Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, and afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Choices include five mornings, five afternoons and split-week patterns. The 30-hour pattern uses both sessions from Monday to Friday; lunchtime wraparound runs from 11.30am to 12.30pm and carries an extra charge. Eligibility applies to funded 30-hour childcare. Ask the school for current charges.

Registration uses an application form through the school office. Tours with the Early Years Phase Leader can be booked by contacting the school on 01952 388280.

Uniform includes a navy sweatshirt or cardigan, pale blue polo shirt and black shoes, with grey or black bottoms among the options. Unbranded sweatshirts, cardigans and polo shirts are accepted, giving families a choice beyond logo clothing.