St Paul's CofE First School Nursery Review

Songs, story characters and early independence give this nursery its shape. At St Paul's CofE First School in Coven, children join from age three, with 26 nursery places and a qualified teacher leading provision at a ratio of 1:13. This is the school's own nursery, with morning and afternoon sessions.

The school has a Church of England character. Christian celebrations sit alongside learning about other traditions: the nursery's autumn programme for 2025–2026 included both Christmas and Diwali. For families, that means faith has a place in the learning children encounter.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning into play, conversation and practical tasks. In the autumn 2025–2026 programme, children worked on sharing, talking about feelings and choosing resources, alongside counting and early writing. Independence was part of the learning too, including managing coats, handwashing and using cutlery.

The spring 2025–2026 nursery theme, Let’s Imagine!, brought together dinosaurs, pirates and the circus. The Singing Mermaid and Oi Frog were among its books. Story characters also became starting points for pretend play, giving children reasons to talk, listen and develop ideas with others.

Physical learning included ball skills, climbing equipment and handling tools. Outdoor exploration involved noticing seasonal changes, comparing natural materials and planting seeds. These activities connect language with things children can touch, move and observe.

In February 2024, Ofsted identified nursery teaching that developed awareness of sounds through songs and rhymes, with a nursery rhyme book given to each child for family use. Early-years learning also used a Little Red Riding Hood route-planning activity to introduce positional language. These are concrete bridges between stories, talk and later learning.

Settling starts before the first regular session. Pre-entry visits give children and parents opportunities to meet the teacher; children moving into early years are invited to summer play sessions with staff. Autumn and spring Stay and Play sessions were also part of the 2025–2026 programme, bringing parents into their children's learning.

For additional needs, the class teacher is the first contact, with the SENCO involved when further support is needed. Individual Support plans are developed with parents and reviewed at least once a term. School support includes links with Speech and Language Therapy, the Early Years SENCo and the Early Years Forum. Classroom entrances accommodate wheelchair access, a practical consideration for children with mobility needs.

Children staying across lunchtime can have a hot meal prepared by the school kitchen. Meals and lunchtime supervision carry separate charges, so families using both sessions need to factor in more than teaching hours.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through Staffordshire County Council's online school admissions route, meeting the normal application deadline. Treat that application as a separate task even when your child already attends nursery.

Preparation for a new class is a different matter. Teachers share information during the summer term, and parents receive transition information and invitations to meetings. Additional conversations between SENCOs and visits can support children with additional needs.

Morning nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:45am; the afternoon session is 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The nursery gate opens at each session's start. Lunchtime, from 11:45am to 12:30pm, is available to children using the 30-hour provision or others staying for lunch. Contact the school for current meal and supervision charges.

Nursery applications go through the school office. Call 01902 291124 or email office@st-pauls-coven.staffs.sch.uk; appointments to view the school can be arranged by telephone.

Uniform includes a red or white polo shirt, a red jumper or cardigan and black or grey bottoms. Branded jumpers and cardigans are optional, and second-hand uniform can be collected through the office. Nursery children wear PE kit on PE days. Footwear is black school shoes, with black ankle boots also permitted in winter.