Tiny Steps Community Nursery, Handsworth Day Care Centre

Speech and language support gives Tiny Steps a clear point of interest: WellComm combines screening with activities to develop communication, and parents can learn how to continue that work at home. This is preschool provision for children aged two to four in Birmingham, with an emphasis on recognising individual needs.

At its January 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received very good support. There were also two practical improvements to make: reducing distracting noise and arranging activities so children could participate more easily. Both matter to how comfortably a child can learn alongside others.

Rooms and Ages

Toddlers serves children aged two to three, with painting, sand play, collage and playdough alongside work on recognising shapes, colours and numbers; pencil handling and using scissors give the day a practical emphasis. Communication, listening and social interaction are also part of this room's work. Toilet training can be supported where needed before children move into preschool.

Pre School emphasises preparation for the move to school through work across children's development. The distinction between the stages is useful: the younger room describes specific skills to practise, while preschool looks towards the next educational step.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, care and development. Here, the January 2024 examples included learning through movement, conversation and everyday tasks: children danced, talked about exercise and practised managing their belongings. These are concrete ways to connect physical activity with language and growing independence.

In January 2024, songs helped organise routines and encouraged speech. Small-group conversations gave children individual opportunities to speak, while songs introduced calendar words and rhythm. The value lies in repeated opportunities to join in, rather than expecting confidence to arrive all at once.

Outdoor and Community Life

In January 2024, children played outside daily in a garden area, cooperating on tandem bicycles and practising balance using rubber tyres. These activities brought physical challenges and shared play together.

Access needed more thought in some activities. In January 2024, a water activity involving lemons and tweezers used a container that was difficult for some children to reach, with insufficient space for others to participate. An appealing activity still needs an arrangement that lets children use it.

Relationships and Communication

Daily feedback at collection covers children's achievements and their experiences that day. This gives parents a regular connection with nursery life, rather than leaving communication solely to formal meetings.

In January 2024, children sought comfort from staff when they needed reassurance, and adults responded kindly. Parents also had regular meetings in person. Everyday contact and longer conversations served different purposes: immediate reassurance for children, and time for adults to discuss development.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

A trained SENCO works with parents to identify where additional input would help, with outside agencies involved in supporting individual needs. WellComm is a speech and language toolkit that connects screening with intervention; trained staff can demonstrate its activities to parents and send activities home. That gives families something practical to use between nursery sessions.

In January 2024, calming sensory areas gave children space and time for learning. Children also practised self-care by spreading butter on snacks and helping wash utensils. These small tasks gave them opportunities to attempt something independently and seek help when necessary.

Sessions and Attendance

The nursery opens from 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, and closes for school holidays. That calendar matters for families planning care across the working year.

Enquiries can be made through the contact form, by telephone on 0121 523 7578 or through the administration email, admin@handsworthdcc.org.uk.

Getting There

The address is Holy Trinity C E Primary Academy, Havelock Road, Birmingham B20 3LP. The nursery occupies school premises, but attending it does not guarantee a Reception place; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

In January 2024, school transition involved inviting teachers into nursery and passing on assessment information. That supported continuity of information about children rather than conferring an admissions advantage.

Funding and Paid Extras

In January 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Noise and concentration. In January 2024, differences in staff voice volume distracted some children. During a visit, listen to how adults manage sound during group activities.
• Access to activities. In January 2024, the arrangement of some resources prevented children from joining in easily. Look at whether your child can reach materials and participate alongside others.
• Attendance and charges. For care within the term-time opening window, what booking patterns and funded arrangements apply, and who provides or pays for meals and consumables?
• School holidays. The nursery closes during these periods. Families needing care across the year will need to account for those breaks.

Tiny Steps suits families seeking term-time preschool provision with practical speech and language support and regular parent communication. WellComm gives that support a clear mechanism, including activities families can continue at home. The January 2024 Good judgement provides a positive overall assessment, balanced by specific concerns about noise and access to activities. Those are useful points to explore on a visit.