Rivers Primary Academy Nursery

Stories, sound games and a full school day shape nursery life at Rivers Primary Academy in Blakenall, Walsall. This is the academy’s own nursery provision, with classroom learning, outdoor play and lunch in the school hall forming parts of the day.

Ofsted’s March 2026 inspection judged early years to meet the Expected standard. Children settled successfully, developed independence and enjoyed books. There is also work to do: the next steps extend from early years onwards and include strengthening teaching, the curriculum and adaptations for individual needs. Leaders must also improve writing, including the skills needed to put words on paper and form letters accurately.

The day runs from 8:40am to 3:20pm. Lunch begins at 11:15am in the hall, accompanied by the teacher and support staff. Children return to their classroom at 11:45am, followed by outdoor learning and play until 12:45pm. Outdoor time therefore has a defined place in the daily routine.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early maths, literacy, creative work and discovering how the world works. Themes draw on children’s interests. In March 2026, early-years children were developing number understanding and learning to manage routines inside and outside.

Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised provides the nursery’s Foundations for Phonics approach. Daily activities develop attention, listening and awareness of speech sounds, including joining spoken sounds into words. Children have experiences directed by adults as well as opportunities to lead their own learning. The emphasis is on hearing and using language before formal reading develops.

Books also bring families into the classroom. A Secret Storyteller, usually a relative, reads to early-years classes at least once each week. Language extends into creative play too: in March 2026, daffodil artwork prompted children to describe flowers using more precise words. Making something becomes a reason to talk about it.

Home visits and ongoing conversations with families help staff understand children before and during their start. In March 2026, reassuring relationships between adults, children and parents helped children settle and feel secure. Settling is built around knowing the child, rather than simply introducing classroom routines.

Freshly cooked meals come from the school kitchen. At mealtimes, practitioners sit with children, demonstrate table manners and encourage conversation. Children practise using cutlery and, where appropriate, serving themselves. Lunch becomes a chance to develop practical independence as well as eat.

Meal supervision is provided by qualified early-years practitioners with Paediatric First Aid qualifications who know children’s allergies, dietary requirements and preferences. Nursery children may qualify for free school meals; otherwise meals are charged. Families should obtain current charges from the school.

For additional needs, the school uses observation and discussion with families to plan support. Where a need has already been identified, staff work with professionals and adults who know the child. Support can include individual or small-group work and advice from Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Early Years Services. Plans are reviewed with parents, keeping support connected to the child’s changing needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority in the normal admissions round and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year. Nursery enrolment should therefore be treated separately from the Reception application.

Transition support includes sharing information with previous settings and agencies so that existing support can continue. Meetings with the EYFS lead and special educational needs coordinator are arranged where required. These arrangements support continuity of care; they do not secure admission.

Full-day attendance is the only nursery pattern, Monday to Friday during term time. Gates open at 8:30am. Nursery children cannot attend the school’s breakfast club or after-school wraparound care, so families need arrangements that fit the nursery day.

Both 15-hour and 30-hour funded children are accepted. Children using a 15-hour code incur a charge for the additional hours of the full-time session; eligible children using 30-hour funding have no attendance charge. The 30-hour eligibility code must be renewed every three months. Meals have separate charging arrangements.

The EYFS uniform includes a white polo shirt, with black or grey trousers or a skirt and a black jumper or cardigan. For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01922 710164 or postbox@rivers.windsoracademytrust.org.uk. Personal tours can be arranged through the office.