Nursery at St Thomas' Church of England Primary Academy

Grow, create, explore, think and play: these five principles give the nursery at St Thomas' its character. Children have time to follow their interests, with adults using conversation and shared activities to move learning forward. Play is the starting point.

The provision takes children from age 3 and occupies a purpose-built nursery space within the Church of England primary academy on Mattox Road, Wednesfield. Its first nursery intake was in the 2024-25 academic year. This is a relatively recent addition to the school, with its own nursery provision rather than simply an introduction to school admissions.

Children's choices help shape the learning. Staff plan around their interests and developmental needs, allowing sustained time for activities children select themselves. Adults also lead planned activities and respond to spontaneous opportunities to teach. A child's curiosity can therefore become the starting point for a conversation or a new idea.

Language gets deliberate attention. Books provide vocabulary for learning, while practitioners model speech and talk with children during play. Working alongside other children adds opportunities to exchange ideas. The nursery aims to develop independence and persistence through these interactions, rather than treating play as a break from learning.

The Early Years Foundation Stage brings seven learning areas together. Communication, physical development and emotional and social development form the foundations; mathematics, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world build alongside them. Nursery planning connects these areas through children's interests. Exploring artists and historical figures, alongside early science, geography and computing, gives children different ways to investigate and make connections.

Settling begins before the agreed start date. Every family takes part in a home visit, followed by two nursery play sessions. Staff use the home visit to learn about the child's routines, interests and development in familiar surroundings. Parents stay for the first play session; children attend the second independently. That sequence gives families an introduction together before children try time apart.

For children needing additional support, the school's SEND arrangements include Individual Target Plans. These are revisited every three to four weeks, with teachers sharing targets regularly with parents and holding a formal review each term. The school also works with the Early Years SEND team and speech and language specialists. Those arrangements provide specific routes for discussing developmental needs.

Staff across the school receive regular child protection and safeguarding training. Families can raise wellbeing concerns with their child's class teacher, giving parents a direct point of contact.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate: the school handles nursery applications, while families must apply again for Reception through the local authority where they live. Keep that second application as a separate task when planning your child's next step.

Morning nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoon nursery from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The day running from 8:30am to 3:30pm is labelled for the 30 hours entitlement. Nursery children can also use the school's extended provision, which may help families needing care beyond their nursery session.

Registration forms can be collected from the school office. For nursery applications and enquiries about attendance patterns, hours or funding, email info@stthomasceacademy.com or call 01902 558963.