Nursery and Reception admissions
Nursery
Nursery applications are to be made directly to the school and NOT via the Local Authority. We admit children of 2 years and 3 years of age throughout the year.
We understand that every family’s childcare needs are different, so we aim to offer flexible extended care that supports you and your child. If you would like more information about the sessions available, please get in touch — we are always happy to help you find the option that works best for your family. We also highly recommend visiting our EYFS setting in person so you can truly experience the warmth, care, and opportunities we provide.
To enquire about a place in The John Bamford Primary School Nursery, please call 01889 228689 or email office@johnbamford.staffs.sch.uk with your enquiry and a contact number. Our Nursery teacher will then get in touch to discuss your child’s needs and guide you through the next steps.
We currently offer two Nursery sessions:
• Morning: 8.45am – 11.45am
• Full Day: 8.45am – 3.15pm
In addition to this, we are pleased to offer extended care through our Before and After School Care Club, providing families with further flexibility and children with a safe, nurturing space beyond the school day.
Please see the link below
https://www.johnbamford.staffs.sch.uk/Before-and-After-School-Club/
At The John Bamford Primary School, we except a range of Government funded options that support families.
Please follow the link below to see if you are eligible for any Government funded hours.
https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Reception
If your child’s fifth birthday is between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027 then you will need to apply for a place at Primary School starting September 2026.
We currently have 45 places in our Reception class. Applications for Reception places for 2026/2027 will be processed and co-ordinated by Staffordshire County Council.
Applications for a Reception place at our school should be made directly with Staffordshire County Council. The application process opens on 1st November 2025 and closes on 15th January 2026 . Offers of Reception places will be sent on 16th April 2026, online applicants will receive an email. For paper applications offers will be made in writing and posted second class on this date.
If you wish to make an application, please follow the link below to SCC Admissions for further instructions on how to do this.
Staffordshire County Council admission to Reception
At The John Bamford Primary School we offer personal visits with the Headteacher to enable our prospective parents to ask as many questions as is needed in order for you to gain a wealth of information about our school. We like to offer these visits during the school day when our children are present to enable you to see our setting in action, meet with staff and get a really good feel for our school, however if you are unable to attend during the day, we are more than happy to show you around the school during the evenings.
Starting Reception
Your child’s journey to school starts at home.
Please see below information that you may find useful before your child starts Reception.
Starting Reception Information
For more information, follow this link: Home - Starting Reception
