Dove CofE Academy: Wagtails Nursery

Sand, water, climbing and wheeled toys give Wagtails its practical, playful character. This governor-run nursery at Dove CofE Academy takes children aged three and four, with entry possible from their third birthday. Its purpose-built Early Years area combines an indoor learning space with direct access to outdoor play.

Nursery children share their classroom with Reception children and join activities across the school. That makes Wagtails part of school life from the start. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 5 and 6 March 2024; this judgement covers early years rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play does most of the teaching here. Children learn both outdoors and in the dedicated Early Years space, while the curriculum combines exploration, adult guidance and activities children choose themselves. In parent terms, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach means learning through doing, talking and trying things out. Dove aims to build confidence and independence through that mix.

The outdoor provision gives children several ways to get busy: construction on a large scale, water and sand activities, climbing and riding wheeled toys. These offer opportunities to handle materials and practise bigger movements. Indoors, the shared classroom brings nursery children into daily contact with the older early years group.

Singing, PE and worship sit alongside snacks and lunch as activities nursery children join with the wider school. Stories and rhymes also matter. In March 2024, early years children encountered both from the start, supporting language development and interest in reading. The emphasis is on building familiarity with words and school routines through everyday experiences.

A senior nursery nurse and teaching support form the nursery team. Wagtails aims for children to enjoy nursery and become familiar with the rhythms of school, with shared activities giving them opportunities to practise those routines.

Lunch can extend a morning's attendance: children may bring food from home or have a school meal. Nursery children can stay between midday and 1pm, so lunch is a distinct option as well as part of the longer sessions.

For children needing additional help, Dove's school support arrangements involve the class teacher and special educational needs coordinator planning a programme with parents. Learning support staff work with children in class or in small groups. Parents can raise concerns with the coordinator or headteacher, giving families a route into discussing support.

Sharing a classroom provides everyday familiarity with Reception children and their surroundings. It is useful preparation for a change of stage, but nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. The application route is Staffordshire County Council's online school admissions service. Treat the nursery booking and the Reception application as separate decisions: familiarity with the school does not itself secure admission.

Wagtails operates Monday to Friday during term time. Families can book mornings, afternoons or whole days: the options run from 9am to noon, 9am to 1pm with lunch, 9am to 3pm with lunch, or 1pm to 3pm. This gives a choice between shorter attendance and a longer nursery day.

Funding begins in the term following a child's third birthday, with Early Education Funding covering up to 15 hours. Families meeting the HMRC Extended Hours criteria can receive another 15 hours, making 30 hours per week. Attendance before funding starts and sessions beyond funded hours incur charges. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery children wear school uniform and PE kit. Wagtails children can also use The Dove Hub, the school's out-of-school club, where session charges apply. For enquiries or to arrange a school tour, email headteacher@dove.staffs.sch.uk or telephone 01889 590203.