Business Details
Outstanding Nursery School in Stoke-on-Trent for Early Years Education
Bentilee Nursery School is an outstanding provider of early years education, rated four times by Ofsted for excellence. With a Headteacher boasting 35 years of experience in early years education and a Masters degree in Special Educational Needs, we combine deep expertise with a nurturing environment. Our mission focuses on delivering high-quality care and education through partnership with families, ensuring children develop confidence and skills for future learning. We maintain a safe, happy environment where play-based learning encourages curiosity and resilience. Our team of qualified educators and support staff work collaboratively to meet each child's unique needs, fostering aspirations for successful and healthy lifestyles.The school's governance by an experienced Governing Body ensures accountability and continuous improvement. We prioritise safeguarding and special educational needs support, with clear communication channels for parental engagement. Our curriculum aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage, promoting holistic development through structured yet flexible learning experiences. Transparency in operations and a commitment to equality ensure every family feels valued. This approach has established Bentilee Nursery School as a trusted leader in early childhood education within Stoke-on-Trent.
Services
Early Years Education
Play-Based Learning
Special Educational Needs Support
Parent Partnerships
Curriculum Development
Highlights and features
- We have a Headteacher with 35 years of experience in early years education.
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted four times for educational quality and safeguarding.
- Special Educational Needs expertise through our SENCO with postgraduate qualifications.
- Curriculum designed to meet Early Years Foundation Stage standards comprehensively.
- Governing Body oversight ensures accountability and continuous improvement.
What people say
Exceptional staff dedication
Comprehensive curriculum
Strong parental engagement
Excellent SEN support
Ofsted-rated quality
Services
Early Years Education
Our early years education programme follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, focusing on play-based learning to develop core skills. We provide structured activities that nurture cognitive, social, and physical development through age-appropriate challenges. The curriculum balances guided learning with child-led exploration to foster curiosity and independence.
Special Educational Needs Support
Special Educational Needs support includes tailored learning plans and specialist resources for children requiring additional assistance. Our SENCO with postgraduate qualifications leads individualised interventions while training staff in inclusive practices. Regular parent consultations ensure consistent support across home and school environments.
Parent Partnerships
Parent partnerships involve regular communication through meetings, newsletters, and home-learning activities. We value parental insights through daily interactions and formal consultation processes. Family workshops and curriculum-sharing events strengthen home-school connections to support children's development.
Safeguarding Programme
Our safeguarding programme includes staff training, secure premises, and clear reporting procedures for child protection concerns. Designated leads maintain up-to-date policies covering e-safety, medical care, and emergency protocols. Regular audits ensure compliance with national safeguarding standards and local authority requirements.
Curriculum Development
Curriculum development focuses on six key areas: personal development, communication skills, physical coordination, world understanding, literacy, and mathematical concepts. Thematic units integrate cross-curricular learning through practical experiences. Assessment tracks individual progress against developmental milestones while maintaining flexibility for emerging interests.
People
Miss J. Levingstone
Headteacher, SENCO & Safeguarding Lead
With 35 years of early years experience and postgraduate qualifications in Special Educational Needs, Miss Levingstone leads educational standards and safeguarding. She develops individualised learning plans and oversees staff training in inclusive practices.
Mrs. Sue Ridgway
Office Manager
Mrs. Ridgway manages administrative operations and serves as primary contact for parental inquiries. She coordinates communication between staff, governors, and families while maintaining school records and policies.
Mrs. A. Harvey
Chair of Governors
As Chair of Governors, Mrs. Harvey oversees strategic direction and policy implementation. She ensures financial accountability and maintains community links while supporting school improvement initiatives through regular monitoring.
Mrs. J. Grindey
Teacher
Mrs. Grindey delivers classroom instruction aligned with curriculum goals. She plans engaging activities, assesses pupil progress, and collaborates with colleagues to maintain high teaching standards across all learning areas.
Miss Laura Carter
Local Authority Governor
Miss Carter represents local authority interests on the Governing Body. She contributes to policy development and strategic planning while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and educational best practices.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We cater for children aged 2 to 4 years through our structured nursery programme.
How does the admissions process work?
Contact our office manager to discuss availability and complete registration forms for your child's placement.
Do you offer full-day sessions?
We provide 15-hour part-time provision with optional paid additional hours available.
What SEN support is available?
Our SENCO provides specialist assessments, individualised learning plans, and staff training for inclusive education.
How do you ensure child safety?
We maintain secure premises, DBS-checked staff, safeguarding training, and established child protection procedures.
Can I view school policies?
All policies are available on our website or by requesting printed copies from the school office.
