Angels

In September 2022, a climbing frame, dinosaur figures and trips to local shops connected children's play with physical challenge, curiosity and the world beyond Angels. At its September 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated Angels Outstanding overall, with children deeply absorbed in play and staff building learning around their interests.

Angels has capacity for 40 children and is based at St. Annes Catholic Primary School in Birmingham. The September 2022 account concerned three-year-olds; its daily-life detail describes that period.

In September 2022, children practised movement on the climbing frame, compared dinosaur figures and shared their discoveries while making bubbles. These were different ways to explore: using their bodies, noticing differences and exchanging ideas with friends.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and personal development into the same day. In September 2022, staff organised activities around children's interests and adjusted the challenge of equipment to what each child could already do. Independence was a clear emphasis.

An arts programme introduced by September 2022 encouraged descriptive language through creative activities. Visits to the library and local shops also connected learning with familiar community places. These experiences gave children things to discuss beyond their immediate play.

At the September 2022 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding, exceptional support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and substantial developmental progress, with early assessment and professional partnerships helping staff target additional support.

In September 2022, the key-person arrangement helped children form close relationships with staff, who responded to emotional needs with encouragement and reassurance. Calm reminders and praise supported turn-taking and care for shared resources; conversations around outdoor equipment helped children understand safer play.

Parents received detailed information and resources to continue learning at home. During the summer and autumn terms described in September 2022, stay-and-play sessions helped children become familiar with the setting before starting. Staff also supported the move between Angels and the school, giving transition a place alongside everyday care.

The address is St. Annes Catholic Primary School, 289b Bosworth Drive, Birmingham, B37 5DP.

In September 2022, Angels opened on weekdays from 11.30am to 3.15pm during term time. It provided funded early education for children aged three and four at that time. Those hours describe the opening window rather than a choice of bookable sessions.

Attendance at Angels does not guarantee a Reception place at the school.

• Attendance arrangements. The September 2022 timetable was term-time weekday provision from 11.30am to 3.15pm. What attendance pattern and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child now?
• Settling and transition. Summer and autumn stay-and-play sessions supported familiarisation in September 2022. During a visit, discuss how settling and the later move to school would work for your child.

Angels merits consideration from families drawn to interest-led play, community experiences and close attention to emotional development. Its Outstanding September 2022 judgement provides a strong historical assessment, supported by concrete examples of learning and care. The attendance model described then suited families seeking a term-time midday-to-afternoon arrangement; the school connection should be understood as transition support, and attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.