Virtual Open Day

It is at this time of year that parents begin making the all important decision as to where their child will begin their school journey. We know that many of you will want to see what schools have to offer with your decisions this year being largely based on more remote judgements of settings. We are so sorry that we are unable to welcome you into our school in person this year, as much as you will be keen to see Gentleshaw for yourselves, we ourselves are going to miss hosting our annual open mornings which are always a huge success. We have however put together this webpage with a selection of tools and information to help you get a flavour of what life at Gentleshaw Primary Academy is all about, giving you the best window into our school that puts care and kindness above everything else.

Gentleshaw Primary Academy is a one form entry school, proud to be a part of Future Generation Trust. We are a school that strives to embed a love of learning amongst our pupils resulting in our children becoming inquisitive, self-motivated and confident learners with high aspirations. Through creativity, academic subjects, a variety of sports, specialist music teaching and the arts, we work to create opportunities for children to strive in all areas and have a variety of experiences, creating memories to last a lifetime.

the foundation stage

Our Early Years setting is where our Gentleshaw learners begin their journey, it is the foundation that a successful and happy school life is built upon. ‘Ash Class’ offers places for both Nursery and Reception pupils with highly experienced, dedicated and caring teachers and teaching assistants that ensure the routines, care and provision provided to our little learners is of the utmost quality.

One thing that makes our Early Years setting so successful is our transition program. Once we have our Reception and Nursery places confirmed we spend a number of weeks in the summer term visiting feeder settings of those children that have attended pre-schools, daycares or nurseries before joining us. This enables staff to begin building up a picture of each child and develop a relationship with them. We can ensure that we meet their needs and support the children in feeling safe and secure within those first few weeks of starting school.

In Nursery and Reception our aim is to develop the whole child, developing each individuals resilience, confidence and independence placing a high importance on being kind young people. Routines is what makes the day to day running in Ash Class successful, there are times when Nursery and Reception are taught separately ensuring that both have the quality, small group teaching required to enable the children to progress and develop to their very best potential, both personally and academically. We believe in fostering excellent relationships with our parents underpinned with clear, regular and informative communication to ensure that home school links are strong to support the progress of our children. One thing guaranteed if choosing Gentleshaw as your child’s school is that they will be taught by passionate, caring, driven and dedicated adults all of which are extremely proud of our school and what we provide to our families and children.

Applications and Admissions

If you would like to apply for a Nursery or Reception place for your child for September 2023, we have all the information relating to the procedures below. We hold an introductory parents meeting inviting those who have gained a place at Gentleshaw into school during the summer term. During this meeting you will learn the specifics of a typical day in Ash Class as well as finding out more about the whole school.

There is no need to declare your interest in writing however there are different procedures and deadline dates dependent on whether you are applying for a Nursery or Reception place so please read the section that is relevant to you carefully.

Reception admissions are handled and processed by Staffordshire County Council

Nursery admissions are handled and processed by the academy

If you still feel there is more you need to know and have a question or query relating to our school, please click on the button below to submit a question via an online form. Please leave your email address in the box provided and a member of our school team will get back to you as soon as possible.