The Annex

Apples mashed in a mud kitchen and herbs picked from accessible planting spaces give The Annex’s October 2022 nursery day a concrete, hands-on character. This Stechford setting has capacity for 48 children aged one to five.

At its 11 October 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated The Annex Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that staff supported speech and language well, including for children learning English as an additional language. That is a dated assessment, with practical strengths and two clear areas for further work.

In October 2022, children explored a sensory garden, adding apples and herbs to imaginative cooking. Elsewhere outdoors, wheeled toys and traffic cones provided physical play, while younger children washed dinosaur figures with brushes. These were opportunities to practise movement and handling alongside pretend play.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children’s learning, development and care. In everyday terms, it connects play with developing language, physical skills and independence. In October 2022, painting with natural materials gave children things to handle, colours to explore and creations to discuss.

Books brought quieter interaction. In October 2022, babies shared flap books with their key person, listening to changes in voice and copying words. Outdoor singing included action games, a play parachute and songs from other countries, giving children different ways to participate through movement and language.

In October 2022, key persons gathered information from parents about what children could already do, then used it to plan subsequent learning. Staff also observed children during activities. The connection between home information and nursery planning mattered: starting points shaped what children practised next.

Familiar adults helped children settle in October 2022. Staff gave children time to answer questions rather than rushing the exchange, including during bulb planting. Older children changed their shoes for outdoor play and practised personal care, although mealtimes needed more opportunities for children to do tasks themselves.

Staff received guidance and training in October 2022, but supervision needed a sharper emphasis on individual skills and understanding. This was a specific development priority alongside children’s independence.

The address is 32A Lyttelton Road, Stechford, Birmingham, B33 8BH. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In October 2022, the nursery received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. That describes participation at that time rather than a current entitlement or booking arrangement.

• Mealtime independence. October 2022 practice left room for children to complete more tasks themselves. On a visit, look at how serving, eating and tidying give children responsibility.
• Staff development. More targeted supervision was an October 2022 improvement priority. Discuss how individual staff development now connects with daily care.
• Attendance and funding. The opening window spans weekdays, while funding participation is documented for October 2022. What booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child?

For families who value practical outdoor play, shared books and interaction with familiar adults, the October 2022 inspection describes an appealing nursery day. Its October 2022 assessment gives a positive foundation, balanced by specific priorities around mealtime independence and staff supervision. The weekday opening window is useful for families organising care across a working day.