Stonar School Nursery Review

Pouring a drink for another child, running a pretend shop and practising balance outdoors give Stonar’s early years their character: learning involves doing things, and doing them together. The nursery welcomes children aged 2 to 4 at Cottles Park, Atworth, within Stonar School.

There was one nursery class in January 2026. Across the early years, purposeful activities helped children develop confidence alongside communication, literacy and number skills. That gives the provision a clear emphasis on both learning and joining in.

Early learning combines practical activity with deliberate teaching. In January 2026, ISI found that early years children developed reading foundations through organised work linking letters with sounds. Tasks that exercise small hand movements supported early writing, while counting, recognising numbers and exploring quantities built mathematical understanding. These are concrete steps towards using language and numbers independently.

Role-play gives those skills a purpose. Early years examples included a greengrocer, a travel agency and shops selling ice cream or fish and chips, helping children explore how money works through familiar situations. Specialist teaching in modern foreign languages and PE adds other ways to communicate and move.

Outdoor activity also contributes to physical development. In January 2026, the early years outdoor provision supported climbing and balancing under staff supervision. Movement has a learning purpose here, alongside work with letters and numbers.

Stories, creative work and conversation introduce children to celebrations including Easter, Holi, Diwali and Chinese New Year. Learning about other people is practical too: children listen to one another’s views and take turns serving water or milk. Small responsibilities give cooperation a place in the day.

Settling starts with parent and child together, typically for an hour. Later visits are arranged with the Nursery Manager, with their length and timing shaped around the child. Families therefore take part in planning the introduction rather than following one fixed sequence.

In January 2026, early years care was attentive and learning experiences were adapted to children’s individual needs. Adult-to-child ratios met requirements. Everyday care also became part of learning, with children exploring dental health and hygiene routines.

The Nursery Manager belongs to the safeguarding team alongside the Head of Prep and pastoral colleagues. The team meets each week to consider children’s developing and continuing needs, giving nursery concerns a regular place in the school’s safeguarding discussions.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception admission as a separate process and apply through the school’s normal admissions route. An individual transition programme is developed for each child and family; preparation for the next stage should be kept separate from securing admission.

Stonar recommends increasing attendance to at least five mornings in the term before Reception. This is a recommendation about preparing for the change, rather than a promise of a place.

Families can choose term-time or year-round attendance, with full-time attendance or a preferred session pattern. The usual minimum is four mornings each week or three day sessions. For children aged 2, fewer sessions may be considered at the Nursery Manager’s discretion. That condition matters for families seeking a shorter introduction.

A Nursery Session Request Form supports the booking process. For enquiries or a visit, complete the online admissions form; the admissions team then contacts the family about next steps. Individual tours take place during the week. Contact admissions@stonarschool.com or call 01225 701744, and refer to the school for current nursery charges.