St Alban's Church of England Primary Academy Nursery

Bug hunts and building houses for the three little pigs give St Alban's nursery a concrete sense of character. Friday forest school takes learning outdoors, while books, songs and play shape the classroom experience. This is the school's own nursery in Ashmore Park, Wolverhampton, forming part of its Foundation Stage.

The Church of England setting brings a Christian context to that early experience of school. In January 2023, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers the Foundation Stage rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play provides the starting point. Children explore inside and outside, sharing stories and rhymes with adults and investigating their surroundings. The nursery aims to build learning around children's interests, giving their curiosity a role in what happens next.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early mathematics, literacy, creativity and discovering how the world works. In parent terms, talking, playing and exploring are part of the curriculum. Staff observe everyday activities and build an individual learning journey for each child, so development is considered through what children actually do.

Forest school gives that approach a physical setting. On Fridays, nursery children investigate wildlife, hunt for bugs and make houses inspired by the three little pigs. Wellies and waterproofs belong in the kit. The connection between a familiar story and practical construction gives children something tangible to explore and discuss.

In January 2023, early years children developed their storytelling through drama, conversation and writing. Staff expertise, the organisation of the learning environment and purposeful activities supported that work. Stories became material for children's own expression, extending learning beyond listening to a book.

Safety learning starts in Nursery, including understanding contact that is safe or unsafe. This gives young children language for a concern, alongside the school's encouragement to speak to an adult when worried.

For families managing additional needs, the school's SEND team provides a contact route at send@stalbansceacademy.com. The school aims for children with SEND to participate alongside their peers, with additional provision where required. Parents can also discuss concerns through the school's open-door approach or contact staff by email.

School catering is supplied by Shire Services. Fresh fruit is available daily, eggs are free range and meals have no added salt. These are school meal arrangements, rather than a promise that every nursery session includes lunch.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home local authority and meet the normal application deadline. Choosing the nursery therefore needs to be a decision about the child's nursery experience, with the later school application treated as a separate step.

Nursery enquiries can go to the school office on 01902 558825 or info@stalbansceacademy.com. The academy is on St Albans Close, Wolverhampton, WV11 2PF. For forest school, bring waterproofs and wellies so children can take part in the outdoor activities.