St Thomas More Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Play, signing and a home visit give this nursery its own character within St Thomas More Catholic Primary School in Great Wyrley. Children aged three to four attend full time, with up to 30 hours of provision. Nursery forms part of the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside Reception. This is a school setting from the start.

The school aims for children to feel included and to become confident, enthusiastic learners. Its Catholic identity also shapes the setting: prayer is introduced in ways suited to children's age and development.

Learning starts with play. Adults take part in children's activities and help extend their learning, while the choices available draw on both the curriculum and children's interests. Role play and an outdoor area are part of the early years setting. The approach gives children room to pursue an interest, with adults involved in developing it further.

The EYFS brings together early learning and personal development. Here, that means attention to movement, relationships and communication, alongside number work, literacy, creative expression and discovering how the world works. The nursery follows Development Matters, with a skills-based approach intended to build children's knowledge. Play has a learning purpose.

Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised is the early years phonics programme. Communication also includes British Sign Language: the school supports its development from Nursery onwards, with provision funded for one day per week throughout the year. For families, these are specific approaches to language development rather than a general promise about preparing children for school.

Settling begins before the first nursery session. Early years staff make a home visit, followed by taster sessions for parents and children. Families can also attend an induction meeting and Stay & Play. These give children opportunities to meet staff with a parent present, and parents time to share concerns before the start.

Staffing includes a nursery lead keyworker and a nursery keyworker. All EYFS staff have paediatric first-aid training. Staff also help children develop independence with toileting, with privacy and dignity guiding that support. Where medical needs require it, individual healthcare planning involves families and health professionals.

Class Dojo gives parents access to photographs of learning moments. For a longer conversation, appointments can be arranged with the class teacher or special educational needs coordinator (SENDCO). The school's support process includes discussing adjustments with parents and reviewing individual education plans termly with families. Its sensory room and quiet spaces provide places for focused support or help with self-regulation; these facilities are available within the school.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline. Keep that application separate from the child's nursery arrangements.

Familiarisation is a different matter. Transition into Reception includes meetings, time to meet the teacher and taster sessions in the new class. For children receiving SEND support, staff share information during transition, including strengths, difficulties and approaches that have helped. That continuity concerns care and learning, not an admissions advantage.

Full-time nursery provision extends to up to 30 hours. To enquire or book a school tour, contact the office on 01922 666335 or email office@st-thomasmore.staffs.sch.uk. A visit includes the opportunity to discuss a child's needs with a senior leader.

The school is on one level, with double doors where appropriate and identified disabled toilets. Parking areas serve pick-up and drop-off. These physical arrangements are useful considerations for families managing access needs or bringing a younger sibling.