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Nursery at St Stephen's Church of England Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Quickly established routines and close family relationships give St Stephen’s early years provision its reassuring side. Teaching needs more attention. That distinction matters when choosing this nursery for a child aged three or four: care and settling are strengths, but the quality of everyday learning also deserves scrutiny.
The nursery belongs to St Stephen’s Church of England Primary School in Heath Town, Wolverhampton. In March 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Needs attention. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Communication, early reading and physical development are priorities in the early years foundation stage (EYFS). Here, learning is organised in a sequence that takes account of what children can already do. For parents, the emphasis is on developing language, phonics and physical skills as foundations for further learning.
In March 2026, most staff had the expertise needed to teach this curriculum, and some teaching worked effectively. However, adult interactions with children were insufficiently effective. This matters because the conversations and responses children receive during activities are part of their learning, rather than simply supervision.
Writing also needed attention. Changes to the writing curriculum had been introduced, but their effect could not yet be assessed. Some children were taking too long to learn correct letter formation, and some were not securing the basics of reading and writing quickly enough. Improving teaching and adult interactions in early years was an explicit next step.
Settling is a clearer strength. In March 2026, children received good care, routines became familiar quickly, and established relationships with parents helped children settle and feel secure. For a family managing a first separation, that combination of predictable routines and partnership offers useful reassurance.
Support responds to individual needs. Staff adjust learning and provide targeted help, using regular checks on progress to spot gaps. Most of that help addressed missing knowledge effectively. The school’s SEND lead develops work programmes, advises teachers and works with children, giving additional support a defined role within the team.
Food includes daily fruit during the morning break. Children under five receive free milk each day, continuing through the term in which they turn five. Across the school, Magic Breakfast supplies free bagels, which are available in classrooms when each year group starts its day.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; St Stephen’s follows the City of Wolverhampton Council route. Treat nursery attendance and the Reception application as separate decisions, and submit that application by the normal deadline.
Morning Nursery starts at 8.40am, earlier than the arrival window for other year groups. Build that distinction into the morning routine. At collection, children are dismissed through doors facing the playground, where parents and carers wait outside.
Children should bring a plastic drinks bottle labelled with their name each day. Water, fruit juice or a milk-flavoured drink are permitted; fizzy drinks are excluded.
For nursery enquiries, call the school office on 01902 558840 or email ststephensprimaryschool@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
The nursery caters for children aged three and four.
Children attending Morning Nursery are expected at school promptly for 8.40am.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception through the City of Wolverhampton Council admissions process.
The March 2026 school inspection judged early years Needs attention. Concerns included adult interactions and children’s progress in basic reading and writing skills.
Call the school office on 01902 558840 or email ststephensprimaryschool@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
