Shirley Road Pre-school & Kindergarten

In November 2023, small-scale preschool life shaped Shirley Road's character: children organised their belongings, joined songs and learnt to play cooperatively. The Acocks Green setting has 20 places in total. At its November 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective.

Children attending in November 2023 were aged two to four. The strongest practical detail was the emphasis on independence: children managed coats and drinks and used a board to mark themselves present. These were manageable responsibilities woven into the day.

In November 2023, language development ran through conversation, questions, rhymes and singing. Drawing and dough activities exercised fingers and hands, while picking up pasta with pincers combined coordination with sorting colours. That gave children several ways to practise skills through play.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the November 2023 activities brought language, early mathematics and physical development into everyday play.

Outdoor activity included aiming balls at baskets and hopping between numbered hoops. Children practised waiting for a turn alongside hopping and jumping. Indoors, family photographs, mirrors and national flags supported conversations about identity and differences between people. Storytelling used toys and fruit to make a caterpillar's transformation tangible.

At the November 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children progressed well and that staff supported those learning English especially effectively, using pictures, visual prompts and words from home languages. Those concrete communication tools helped children participate while developing English.

In November 2023, adults joined children's play, encouraged their efforts and used gentle reminders about behaviour. Daily conversations kept parents informed, but information about children's next learning steps was shared inconsistently. This limited the help families received to extend learning at home.

Fresh fruit was offered at snack time in November 2023, alongside conversations about healthy eating and toothbrushing. Daily outdoor exercise also formed part of the routine.

The address is 364 Shirley Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 7NS.

In November 2023, attendance operated during school terms, Monday to Thursday, with sessions running from 8.30am until 3.30pm. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe that period.

• Learning at home. In November 2023, daily updates did not consistently explain children's next learning steps. Ask how those steps are now shared and translated into activities families can try together.
• Early reading. In November 2023, staff sometimes mixed letter names with sounds rather than using a consistent teaching method. Ask how letter sounds are taught across activities today.
• Term-time attendance. The November 2023 pattern covered Monday to Thursday during school terms. What attendance patterns, funded arrangements and charges would apply to your child now?

For families seeking preschool care centred on conversation, practical play and growing independence, Shirley Road merits consideration. Its November 2023 term-time daytime pattern would suit families whose childcare needs followed school terms. In November 2023, two areas needed attention: consistency in early reading and clearer guidance for learning at home.