Woodthorne Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, singing and conversation give Woodthorne’s nursery its character. Books and rhymes are part of learning from the start, with speech and vocabulary receiving particular attention in January 2023. For a young child, that means language develops through shared activities as well as direct teaching.

This is Woodthorne Primary School’s own nursery in Tettenhall, where the school’s starting age is three. Nursery classes have a maximum of 30 children. Families can choose morning or afternoon provision of 15 hours, or a full-time place, giving them different ways to fit nursery into family life.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning, development and care together. Staff use children’s progress to plan their next learning steps, and observe their interests to adjust the learning environment. Children therefore contribute to what happens around them through the things that catch their attention.

In January 2023, children played cooperatively inside and outdoors, while stories, songs and rhymes supported their developing language. Practical number activities gave young children opportunities to explore mathematical ideas, with adults demonstrating accurate mathematical vocabulary. Learning here connects words with things children can do and experience.

Earlier nursery work gives concrete examples of that approach. In autumn 2021, Dear Zoo accompanied nursery rhymes and celebrations; children practised counting items to five, made marks with large movements and explored materials. Spring 2022 brought Goldilocks and The Gingerbread Man alongside traditional tales. Scissor work and pencil control sat beside comparing quantities and describing positions. Animal sets, dolls and dolls houses supported children in inventing longer stories. These examples show how familiar tales can connect conversation, physical skills and imaginative play.

Nursery has its own teaching staff and teaching assistants. For families seeking help with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school office provides a route to the special educational needs coordinator. That gives parents a clear contact for discussing support.

Families provide information about allergies, dietary requirements and other health needs when joining. They also supply emergency contacts and a secure password as a safeguarding measure. These details give staff information relevant to a child’s care; the password is a safeguarding measure.

Attending nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority, using the online Common Application Form. Nursery attendance carries no priority under the 2027–2028 oversubscription criteria. Choosing the nursery should therefore be a decision about the provision itself, with the Reception application treated as a separate task.

Morning and afternoon places each cover 15 hours; full-time places are also offered. Breakfast and after-school care are available to all nursery children for an additional charge. Ask the school for current charges before choosing that extra care.

Applications can be made online or through the school office, and the school allocates nursery places. Prospective applicants are asked to arrange a visit before applying. Contact the office on 01902 921160 to book, so the visit can help you assess the provision before making your choice.