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Nursery at St Nicholas Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An extended classroom and outdoor space give St Nicholas nursery its own base within the school. This is provision for children aged three before Reception, with Rising 3s joining nursery life through afternoon care from the term after their third birthday, subject to space and staffing.
The main nursery intake starts in September of the academic year children turn four. Rising 3s are integrated with the nursery rather than forming a separate experience. For families considering an earlier start, availability can change between terms as staffing and take-up change.
Daily phonics begins in Nursery. In April 2025, the early years findings described adults with the knowledge needed to support learning and an environment that engaged children. Reading therefore has a regular place from the start, alongside the practical work of developing physical skills.
Small movements receive deliberate attention. Children practise with scissors and glue, and open and shut container lids to develop control of their hands. These activities respond to physical development needs recognised when children begin school. Simple objects have a clear learning purpose: helping children handle small items more confidently.
The nursery has both classroom and outdoor learning space. Morning and afternoon sessions provide the basic shape of the day, with additional afternoon attendance available around the morning booking pattern.
Early writing. In April 2025, correction of early writing misunderstandings varied between staff, leaving writing less successful than other subjects. Families should weigh that inconsistency alongside the attention given to reading and physical development.
Nursery teachers work alongside key workers. In April 2025, children in early years received attentive care, and relationships with adults were a strength. That gives the staffing structure a meaningful practical role beyond organising sessions.
School settling arrangements include informal meetings before children start, opportunities for parents and children to become familiar with routines, and a meal together. A later conversation with the teacher covers settling and progress. The class teacher is the first contact for parents, with appointments arranged through the office when needed.
For lunch, children can bring food from home or have a hot school meal, charged separately. This gives families a choice when extending attendance into the afternoon.
SEND support involves the class teacher and SENCO, with parents brought into discussions about individual needs and outside agencies involved where appropriate. Support consistency. The April 2025 school-wide findings identified gaps in staff expertise that left some pupils with SEND insufficiently supported and affected how well they achieved. Families whose child needs additional help should consider how the proposed support will work across the adults caring for them.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child's entry year.
Staffordshire residents apply through Staffordshire's primary admissions service; Wolverhampton residents use Wolverhampton's school admissions service. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions, even when the preferred school is the same.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The expected booking is five mornings each week, with the 15 funded hours assigned to that pattern. Parents may choose fewer mornings, but extra afternoons are charged unless the family receives 30-hour childcare funding.
Eligible families access 30 funded hours by supplying an eligibility code. Funding cannot be shifted into lunchtime by booking fewer than 30 hours. All-day attendance exceeds the 30 funded hours, so daily lunchtime care is charged separately from any hot meal. Additional childcare before and after school can extend coverage between 7.30am and 5.30pm. Ask the school for current charges when comparing the complete arrangement.
Nursery applications go directly to the school using a paper form. For enquiries, call 01902 842998; an in-person school visit can also be requested. School closes to children on staff training days and bank holidays, so include those dates in childcare planning.
Rising 3s afternoon care can begin in the term after a child turns three, subject to space and staffing. The main nursery intake starts in September of the academic year children turn four.
Mornings are 8.45am to 11.45am, and afternoons are 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
The expected booking is five mornings, using 15 funded hours. Families eligible for 30-hour funding must provide an eligibility code. Additional afternoons are charged unless the family receives 30-hour childcare funding.
Yes. Families can choose a separately charged hot school meal or send a packed lunch.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Staffordshire and Wolverhampton residents use their respective local authority admissions services.
