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Nursery at Whitchurch CofE Infant and Nursery Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A nursery garden gives this school nursery a physical identity of its own. At Whitchurch CofE Infant and Nursery Academy on Station Road, children can take up a nursery place from the term after turning three, subject to space. The provision sits within a Church of England infant academy, rather than operating as a separate nursery.
Families of any faith, and those with none, are welcomed. The academy asks parents to respect its Christian character, making that ethos a consideration alongside the practical fit of the nursery week.
Discovery and playing together were strengths of the early years in June 2023. Ofsted found an orderly, peaceful learning environment, with exploration taking place outside as well as inside. Adults helped children gain confidence and do more for themselves. For parents, the useful detail is the combination of independence and cooperation: children were learning to manage activities while working alongside others.
The examples make that early years experience concrete. Children tackled an ice activity involving frozen peas, constructed models and pretended to purchase vegetables in a shop. These were opportunities to investigate materials, build things and practise interactions through play. Learning about relatives also formed part of their early years experience. The nursery garden adds a distinct outdoor feature to the setting; the June 2023 findings describe discovery across both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Predictable routines and close relationships supported children's enjoyment of early years learning in June 2023. Nursery staffing includes a teacher, teaching and learning support roles, and lunchtime supervision. That identifies the adult roles around the day without implying a particular staffing ratio.
Support for special educational needs and/or disabilities begins with conversations. When a child starts nursery, staff speak with parents and previous settings about existing assessments, professional involvement and concerns. Children on the SEND register have a Person Centred Plan, bringing together their needs, individual targets and support. Plans are normally reviewed each term, with parent views included, so families have a recurring opportunity to discuss progress and provision. The SEND team can be contacted through Class Dojo or by requesting a callback from the office.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must submit a separate application through their home local authority, including Shropshire Council for Shropshire residents, by 15 January in the academic year before their child starts school. Being familiar with the academy does not replace that application.
For the 2026–27 admissions cycle, nursery attendance conferred no priority: allocation used criteria covering care history, exceptional medical circumstances, catchment and siblings, with distance ordering within categories. Keep the admissions decision separate from preparation for the next classroom. For children with SEND, transition support can include extra visits, photo booklets introducing people and spaces, and social stories. These measures help prepare a child for change; they do not secure admission.
The usual week consists of two and a half days: Monday and Tuesday with Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon with Thursday and Friday. A family's preferred pattern cannot be guaranteed. This is a substantial scheduling consideration if work or other childcare depends on particular weekdays.
A limited number of 30-hour extended-entitlement places are offered to eligible families. Staff also work with local settings on possible shared care arrangements. Nursery finishes at 3:05pm; the academy opens its doors at 8:50am and closes them at 9:00am. Families should notify the school if collection will be late.
Nursery registration goes directly to the academy. Contact the office on 01948 662905 or email wiaadmin@sbmat.org to enquire, and keep contact details updated after registering so an offer can reach you.
Children may be offered a place from the term after their third birthday, provided a space is available.
Children attend Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon plus Thursday and Friday. Preferred patterns are subject to availability.
Yes. A limited number of extended-entitlement places are offered for families meeting the eligibility criteria.
No. A separate application is required through the home local authority by 15 January in the academic year before starting school. Nursery attendance conferred no priority in the 2026–27 cycle.
For nursery enquiries, call 01948 662905 or email wiaadmin@sbmat.org. The SEND team can also be reached through Class Dojo or an office callback request.
