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Nursery at St Chad's CofE (VC) First School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 separate nursery classroom, its own outdoor area and lunch in familiar surroundings give the youngest children a distinct base within St Chad's in Pattingham. Qualified teachers work alongside Early Years Practitioners, so the provision combines teaching with the care routines of a nursery day.
Pre-Nursery and Nursery together can accommodate a maximum of 40 children. Pre-Nursery begins during the term of a child's third birthday; Nursery starts the following September. In March 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to meet the expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school.
Children have their own nursery classroom and a separate outdoor area, giving them space for learning indoors and outside.
Language was a clear emphasis in March 2026: books, rhymes and carefully selected vocabulary supported children's communication, while adults demonstrated how to use language during guided work. Across early years, daily phonics introduced letters and their sounds through recognisable routines, with extra help provided promptly when needed.
Adult support during chosen play. In March 2026, adult conversations were less consistently extended during activities children selected themselves. More sustained exchanges were needed to develop understanding further, and leaders were addressing this. This matters because conversation can turn an absorbing game into a deeper learning experience.
Before starting, families provide contact information, allergies and medical needs through an admission pack, usually sent during the preceding term. Parents are invited to visit before transition, with additional visits tailored to the child. For children who have an EHC plan (education, health and care plan), separate transition meetings involve the relevant agencies, allowing support to be discussed before the move.
Lunch stays within the nursery classroom, supervised by two Nursery Lunchtime Supervisors. Eligible 30-hour funding can cover lunchtime care, but meals carry a separate charge. Families therefore need to distinguish supervision from food when planning a longer day.
In March 2026, staff's knowledge of individual children supported their emotional and social development, and work with parents helped children begin school. For concerns about special educational needs, the class teacher is the first contact, with the school's special educational needs coordinator available for further discussion.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admission priority. Families must apply separately through their local authority, before the normal closing date. The stated priority order uses sibling links followed by distance from school, rather than nursery attendance.
Preparation is a separate matter. Families offered a Reception place are invited to a summer-term meeting with the Early Years team, including a classroom tour and opportunities to ask questions. Stay-and-play sessions provide further familiarisation. These experiences help children prepare for the change; they do not replace the application.
Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45, afternoons from 12:30 to 15:30, with Lunch Club between 11:45 and 12:30. Nursery attendance is at least five three-hour sessions each week. Agreed patterns support staffing arrangements; changes and extra sessions depend on space.
Universal funding covers 15 hours from the term after a child's third birthday. Eligible 30-hour places require an HMRC code and depend on availability; the entitlement runs over 38 term-time weeks. It covers nursery sessions, including eligible lunchtime care, but excludes Before or After School Club. Additional sessions may be paid for. Ask the school for current charges.
For enquiries or a tour, contact the school office at office@scf.sslp.uk. Nursery applications go directly to the office.
Pre-Nursery starts during the term of a child's third birthday. Nursery begins in the September after that birthday.
Mornings are 08:45–11:45 and afternoons 12:30–15:30. Lunch Club runs from 11:45 to 12:30.
Changes to an agreed pattern and additional sessions can be accommodated when spaces are available.
Eligible 30-hour funding can include lunchtime supervision, but meals are charged separately. Before or After School Club is excluded from that funding.
No. Nursery attendance gives no Reception admission priority. A separate application through your local authority is required before the normal closing date.
