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Nursery at St Mary's CofE (A) First 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Penguins gives this school nursery its own identity: an early years class at St Mary's in The Heath, Uttoxeter, admitting children from their third birthday. The governing body runs the provision. Its term-time pattern makes it a practical option for families organising childcare around the school calendar.
The school describes its Christian ethos through love and respect, drawing on the Good Samaritan. That gives parents a clear sense of the values the nursery shares with the wider school.
Practical exploration shapes the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Children combine activities they choose with work guided by adults, using materials to express ideas and constructing things with a purpose. They practise choosing resources, handling simple tools safely and changing their creations. This gives making an everyday learning purpose, rather than treating it simply as a finished product.
Art extends that exploration into texture, colour and shape, alongside music and dance as ways to communicate feelings. Food preparation also forms part of early years learning, with attention to hygiene. These are concrete ways for children to develop expression and practical independence.
Number work includes daily activities led by adults and opportunities to investigate through the resources and activities children can choose. Development Matters guides early years maths teaching, with additional material from Power Maths. The combination gives children both direct teaching and opportunities to explore mathematical ideas for themselves.
Penguins has a nursery playground. Rhymes add another recognisable thread: the 2024/25 programme included Humpty Dumpty, Row Row Row your boat and Little Bo Peep. In May 2025, the early years inspection findings described children encountering books regularly. Reading therefore starts with repeated exposure to language and stories.
Settling can happen gradually. During a child's first term, sessions can be built up, allowing families to establish attendance in stages. In May 2025, children in early years were settling promptly and forming close relationships with adults.
A nursery lead and nursery practitioners make up the team, with designated nursery safeguarding leadership. Basic first aid is provided by staff holding Paediatric First Aid qualifications; parents receive notification and an accident record when a child is injured.
Staff provide the nursery snack. Children can have a paid school lunch or bring a packed lunch, and food containing nuts should stay at home. For children with an Education, Health, and Care Plan, a SENCo plans with parents and outside agencies before admission, giving families a way to discuss support before attendance begins.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate online application through Staffordshire County Council, with the normal primary application deadline of 15 January.
For the 2026/27 intake, nursery attendance conferred no oversubscription priority. Choosing Penguins should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself, with the Reception application treated as a separate step.
Nursery runs Monday to Friday, 9am to 3.30pm, during term time. Additional morning or afternoon sessions and the lunchtime half-hour carry charges; ask the school for current charges. Wraparound care has separate booking through Parentpay, with sessions from 7.30am to 8.45am and 3.30pm to 5.30pm.
The 15-hour funded entitlement begins in the term after a child's third birthday; eligible working parents may receive 30 hours. Both entitlements can be taken across a minimum of three days. For the 30-hour entitlement only, a claimed session can last up to 10 hours.
Drop-off is between 8.50am and 9am at the door above the ramp, behind the climbing wall; collection at 3.30pm uses that door. Lunchtime handovers go through the office. Contact the Office Manager on 01889 228730 or office@st-marys-uttoxeter.staffs.sch.uk for enquiries.
Children can start when they turn three. The 15-hour funded entitlement begins in the following term.
Nursery operates during term time only, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3.30pm.
Yes. A school lunch is available for a charge, or children can bring a packed lunch. The lunchtime half-hour is also charged.
Yes. The nursery allows children to build up their sessions during their first term.
No. A separate Reception application is required through Staffordshire County Council. Nursery attendance conferred no priority for the 2026/27 intake; the normal primary application deadline is 15 January.
