Westbury-on-Severn Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, songs and rhymes give Chestnut Class its clearest educational character: an introduction to reading within Westbury-on-Severn Church of England Primary School’s own preschool. The provision operates on the school site in The Village, Westbury-on-Severn. Children begin their early education within a primary-school setting, rather than at a separate nursery premises.

Early years provision was judged Good at the Ofsted inspection on 3 and 4 July 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.

Early reading starts with listening and language. In July 2024, carefully chosen stories, rhymes and songs supported children’s reading development from preschool onwards. These are concrete activities for young children: hearing stories and joining in with songs provide an introduction to the language they will later read.

Assessment also has a practical role. In July 2024, checks on children’s learning supported development in mathematics and reading within early years. For parents, the useful distinction is that learning involves both activities and attention to how children are progressing. The early years foundation stage here therefore includes foundations in reading and mathematics, with stories and songs supplying a specific example of that work.

Support sits within the school’s approach to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The school aims to help children develop emotionally and socially as well as academically, and says it tailors help for those who need support accessing learning. Families can contact the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO), giving them a route for discussing their child’s needs.

The school follows the Gloucestershire Graduated Pathway, organising support through a cycle of reviewing needs, planning help, putting it into practice and checking its effect. My Profile involves all children; My Plan provides a planning tool, while My Plan+ brings more detailed assessment when progress or outcomes require closer attention. An Education, Health and Care Plan involves local-authority assessment where existing additional school resources cannot meet educational needs.

Family participation is part of the school’s support arrangements. Individual plans are developed with children and families as appropriate, and parents and carers have termly review meetings. Depending on the child’s needs, support can include smaller groups or individual help, with outside specialists such as speech and language therapists involved where necessary. This makes the child’s particular needs the starting point for discussion.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate processes: families must apply again through the normal Reception application route and meet the relevant deadline. Treat the nursery decision as a choice about preschool provision, and the Reception application as a separate task.

A preschool visit can be booked by calling 01452 760303 or emailing the school. This provides a direct way to arrange a look at the provision before choosing it. The school’s address is The Village, Westbury-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, GL14 1PA; its general email contact is head@westbury-on-severncofe.gloucs.sch.uk.