Woodlands Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Two three-hour sessions give Woodlands nursery its practical shape: a morning beginning at 8.40am and an afternoon ending at 3.20pm. This is the nursery provision within Woodlands Primary School and Nursery in Madeley, Telford, serving children aged 3 and 4. Families can use funded hours, with additional paid sessions possible by arrangement.

Its place within the school's early years foundation stage (EYFS) also brings access to an Inclusion Team whose remit spans every phase. For a child needing additional help, that creates a route to discuss learning, communication and emotional needs together.

Morning nursery runs from 8.40am to 11.40am; the afternoon session starts at 12.20pm and finishes at 3.20pm. These defined blocks give parents clear boundaries for planning childcare around a session.

A February 2021 nursery learning example paired We’re Going on a Bear Hunt with positional language. The story supplied a context for learning how to describe position, connecting language with a familiar narrative rather than treating it as an isolated exercise.

For children attending the specialist EYFS SEND provision group, learning follows their developmental stage. The group uses an adapted space with few children and reduced stimulation. Communication support includes Makaton and Widgit visual prompts, while some activities use Task Baskets. These are specific adaptations for the children attending that group, shaped around their education, health and care plans (EHCPs).

The Inclusion Team reviews children's needs regularly, bringing special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) together with social and emotional support. Families therefore have a school-wide team involved in considering emerging difficulties.

Within the specialist EYFS group, a SEND support teaching assistant leads the provision alongside two teaching assistants. Staff have training relating to substantial speech, language and communication delays. The group receives input from the SENCo, early years specialists and outside agencies; progress is tracked through Tapestry to capture smaller developmental steps.

Parent relationships form part of this specialist provision too. Specialist provision staff build relationships with parents and carers and work with class teachers, the SENCo and senior leadership to review children's support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Telford & Wrekin Council's online admissions route and meet the deadline for their child's entry year. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.

Families who cannot access the application system at home can use the school's facilities. That offers practical help with completing the application, rather than an admissions advantage.

The funded offer covers 15 hours each week over 38 weeks, beginning in the term following a child's third birthday. A full-time nursery place under the 30-hour offer requires an eligible funding code. Parents need to apply for it in the preceding term, show the school the code and renewal date, and renew it every three months.

Without a funding code, families can arrange paid additional sessions. Bookings use ParentPay after agreement with the school; contact the school for current charges.

For enquiries, email woodlands.enquiries@taw.org.uk. Tours with a member of the senior leadership team can be arranged through the school office, giving families an opportunity to discuss the provision before choosing it.