St John's CofE Primary School Nursery, Wetley Rocks

Learning to help a friend is part of the early years story at St John's, alongside letters, sounds and learning about healthy food. This is the nursery within St John's CofE Primary School in Wetley Rocks, forming part of its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Nursery and Reception belong to that same early years structure.

At the Ofsted inspection on 28 and 29 November 2023, the school's early years provision was judged Outstanding, and there were 21 additional preschool places, with some children attending part-time. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The EYFS brings together learning that parents will recognise from everyday childhood. Talking and listening, physical development, and learning to manage feelings and relationships provide the foundations. Literacy, mathematics, exploring the world and creative expression extend those foundations. The emphasis is broader than early reading alone: communication and growing independence count as learning too.

In November 2023, the early years curriculum made learning integral to activities throughout the day. Teaching about letters and sounds began in early years through an ordered programme. That gives early literacy a deliberate sequence rather than treating it as an isolated activity.

Physical learning includes both larger movements and the smaller movements involved in handling things. Mathematics develops understanding of numbers and patterns, while expressive arts involve imagination, materials and techniques. Children are also introduced to suitable technology to support learning. These strands give families a useful picture of the different skills the nursery's EYFS curriculum addresses.

Relationships have practical expression here. In November 2023, early years children showed consideration for one another, including getting a replacement pencil for a friend. Lunchtime arrangements also helped children develop social skills and understand healthy eating. Meals therefore had a learning role alongside their place in the day's care routines.

Tapestry connects nursery learning with home through an online journal. Staff share observations, photographs, videos and diary entries; parents can see their child's development and add comments of their own. This gives families a way to contribute their perspective, as well as follow what happens in nursery.

For families dealing with additional needs, Staffordshire SENDIASS provides confidential, impartial advice about education, health and social care. Staffordshire's Local Offer helps families find community support. These are useful routes for parents seeking advice alongside conversations about their child.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal Staffordshire application process and meet the applicable deadline. Keep that application separate from the nursery enquiry: familiarity with the school does not itself secure admission.

Nursery gates open at 8.35 am and shut at 8.50 am, when registration takes place. The nursery's end of day is 3.20 pm. These times provide the practical framework for planning drop-off and collection.

Applications for nursery go directly to the school. Contact the office at office@st-johns-wetleyrocks.staffs.sch.uk or telephone 01782550309 to apply.