St John's Primary Academy Nursery Review

Songs, rhymes and confident play with friends give this nursery its clearest character. St John's Primary Academy's nursery sits within a Church of England primary school on Hobnock Road in Essington. The September 2023 intake was for children turning three during the preceding academic year, with 64 places divided between morning and afternoon groups: 40 in the morning and 24 in the afternoon.

At the inspection on 24 and 25 January 2023, Ofsted rated the school's early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Two three-hour sessions shape the nursery day. Morning children attend from 8.45am to 11.45am; the afternoon group runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. For families, that means planning around a morning or afternoon collection rather than assuming a full school day.

Within early years, January 2023 findings give a concrete picture of learning: children used songs and rhymes connected to the sounds they were learning, while skilled adults encouraged conversation and listening. These activities give children practice in using language as well as recognising sounds. Children also worked and played assuredly with their peers, making learning alongside others part of the experience.

Support for younger children was prompt in January 2023 and helped them adjust to school. That is a useful strength for families thinking about the move into a classroom group. For questions about additional needs, parents can contact the school's SENCo through the office, giving them a direct route to discuss their child's support.

Medical arrangements include a practical asthma routine. Parents must tell the academy about a diagnosis, complete an asthma card and supply an inhaler. The child's inhaler stays in the classroom and is kept accessible by the teacher. An emergency inhaler is also held in the office. Families therefore have a clear task before attendance: share the diagnosis and provide the required medication.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must submit a separate Reception application, so choosing the nursery should not be treated as securing the next stage.

For the September 2023 intake, Staffordshire County Council handled Reception applications, with a closing date of 15 January 2023. That deadline belongs to a past admissions cycle. Families should apply again through the normal Reception process for their child's year of entry.

Eagles Before & After School Club accepts registered nursery pupils as well as older children. It operates in a purpose-built building on the school site, giving families an additional care option beyond the nursery session. Club staff have relevant qualifications and experience, DBS checks and first-aid training.

Bookings are online and allocated in order of booking. Payment is required beforehand, and families must notify both Eagles and the academy office when a child is absent. Monday sessions must be booked by noon on the preceding Friday. Ask the academy for current charges.

At breakfast-club drop-off, parents using the nursery door must ring the bell and remain until an Eagles staff member registers their child. This makes the handover explicit. For nursery enquiries or to arrange an academy visit, contact the office on 01922 476695 or email office@stjohnsprimary.academy.