Nursery at St Mary's CofE First Academy

Play, conversation and outdoor exploration shape the early years at St Mary's CofE First Academy in Wheaton Aston. The nursery belongs to the school's early years provision, with a Nursery Lead within the Early Years Team. For parents, the defining feature is the balance between children choosing their own activities and adults guiding learning, rather than a day built entirely around directed tasks.

The school aims to develop independence while respecting each child's emotional, physical and social development. That gives the nursery a clear purpose: learning to do things for yourself sits alongside learning with other children.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework, supported by Development Matters. In parent language, this brings communication, movement and relationships together with early reading, mathematics, creativity and discovering how the world works. Activities combine group learning, adult guidance and play initiated by children. Staff use their understanding of individual children and ongoing assessment to plan what comes next, sometimes through a class theme and sometimes through a child's own interests.

Outdoor learning continues throughout the year, except in the most difficult weather. Children explore and think creatively inside and outside, so learning is not confined to a classroom. The school uses ELS for phonics, with daily sessions across its EYFS provision and additional opportunities for children who need help. These sessions also include handwriting. In November 2023, phonics teaching across the school was inconsistent, and catch-up support did not reach all pupils who needed it, affecting reading progress.

In November 2023, early years children developed their vocabulary successfully through stories and cooperative play. A home corner gave them somewhere to practise playing together and taking turns, while stories brought each day to a close. These are concrete ways of building language and social confidence through familiar activities.

In November 2023, relationships in early years were strong, and staff helped children feel settled and cared for. Identification of special educational needs and/or disabilities began in early years, with external agencies involved. Across the school, most children with SEND received support to participate in learning, although some staff needed greater expertise to support some pupils successfully. Families considering additional support should weigh that concern alongside the early identification of needs.

Fruit is provided for nursery children at morning break. AIP supplies school meals, and children can bring a drink in a bottle labelled with their name. Nut products must stay at home. Special dietary needs require a completed form and relevant medical correspondence, giving families a specific process for communicating food requirements.

The safeguarding team receives regular training and shares information with colleagues. Families can also seek help from the school's pastoral support staff, including guidance and access to other professionals.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline.

The school aims to ease the move from home into nursery and then into Reception. That transition aim is separate from the allocation of a school place.

The school office handles enquiries on 01785 840314 or at office@st-marys-wheatonaston.staffs.sch.uk. The setting is on Marston Road, Wheaton Aston, ST19 9PQ.

School uniform combines royal blue knitwear, grey trousers or skirts and a white top. Black shoes are required, and pre-loved uniform is available through the school. Families can contact the office for uniform support. For current meal charges, contact the school.