Rakegate Primary School Nursery

Little Gaters gives eligible two-year-olds a morning start at Rakegate Primary School, alongside Nursery provision with morning, afternoon and eligible funded longer-day patterns. These are distinct options within the school on Rakegate Close in Wolverhampton. The practical difference matters: choosing a session means choosing a particular weekly rhythm.

Language and listening give the Nursery day its clearest character. At the June 2023 inspection, Ofsted described adults helping Nursery children develop speech and encouraging attentive listening through songs, rhymes and stories. For a young child, that puts conversation and enjoyment of words before the demands of formal reading.

Outdoor learning adds movement to that picture. The same inspection identified equipped outdoor learning spaces across the early years, supporting both physical activity and thinking. Children therefore have an environment for learning beyond the classroom, rather than a day defined solely by indoor activities.

Nursery curriculum overviews are organised by term, with documents for autumn 2025 and spring and summer 2026. These give parents a term-by-term route into the curriculum. The English provision also includes an EYFS Rakegate Recommends Reading List, a named resource for families choosing books to share at home.

Early identification of additional needs is part of the school's support arrangements. Children can be identified during Nursery, and individual records travel with them between classes or schools. That gives the next team information about the child's needs, rather than requiring families to start the account again.

Children's Profiles carry targets and teaching strategies forward. Parents discuss targets at the autumn consultation, with support plans revisited in spring and July. This creates specific points for reviewing support together. SEND oversight. In June 2023, some school-wide checks on the quality and impact of SEND support remained inconsistent. Families considering additional support should weigh that concern alongside the school's arrangements for sharing individual plans.

The school meal arrangements include a packed-lunch alternative, and menus are renewed each September. This is the school's meal policy, rather than a promise of free meals for Nursery children. Safeguarding communication also has a clear qualification: concerns are discussed with parents, but information may be shared with other agencies first where parental involvement could increase risk or compromise enquiries.

Attending Rakegate's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by its deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the school-place application as separate decisions.

Continuity of support is a different matter. Passing individual records between classes helps staff carry knowledge of additional needs into the next stage; it does not secure admission.

Little Gaters runs from 8.30am to 11.30am for eligible two-year-olds, with 15 hours a week. Nursery's 15-hour provision has two session options: 8.30am to 11.30am or 12.20pm to 3.20pm.

For parents eligible for 30-hour funding, the Nursery timetable runs from 8.30am to 3.20pm Monday to Thursday, finishing at 11.30am on Friday. That shorter Friday needs its own collection plan.

Uniform is preferred for Nursery children but optional. Own clothes should suit school activities, including sensible footwear. The main entrance also has second-hand uniform rails containing coats and shoes, which families can use without charge.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01902 558608 or email rakegate.primary@wolverhampton.gov.uk.