Coton Green Pre-School Nursery

In April 2023, climbing challenges, garden wildlife and children choosing their own football referee gave Coton Green Pre-School Nursery a practical, playful character. At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good overall, while identifying a need to strengthen the planning and delivery of adult-led activities.

The nursery has capacity for 40 children in total. In April 2023, the children attending were aged two to four; the setting was based on Coton Green Primary School's site in Tamworth.

In April 2023, children tackled the climbing wall repeatedly until they succeeded and searched the garden for worms. These experiences brought physical challenge and exploration together. Football also became an exercise in cooperation: children chose a referee to help settle disagreements.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the April 2023 examples included making farm animals from discarded materials, working out how to join objects and shaping play dough into faces. The dough activity exercised fingers while opening conversations about feelings.

Child-directed play engaged children well in April 2023, but some adult-led activities lost their attention and children moved away. That distinction matters: interesting resources alone do not ensure that planned teaching holds children's interest.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding arrangements and strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including staff training and collaboration with outside agencies.

In April 2023, children showed close bonds with staff and practised everyday independence: washing hands, serving themselves snacks, pouring drinks and putting on outdoor clothing. These small tasks gave them opportunities to manage more for themselves.

Communication in April 2023 included an online platform for sharing information with parents and advice about toilet training. Managers also adjusted resources when children overlooked them: moving construction vehicles outside onto soil renewed interest in that play.

The address is c/o Coton Green Primary School, Kipling Rise, Tamworth, B79 8LX. In April 2023, opening hours were 9am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four.

The nursery's position within the primary school's grounds does not guarantee a Reception place. Families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Adult-led learning. The April 2023 improvement priority concerned planning and teaching activities led by staff. At a visit, ask how these now sustain children's attention.
• Attendance planning. The April 2023 opening pattern followed school terms. Ask which current attendance options fit your working week and holiday arrangements.
• School expectations. Sharing grounds with Coton Green Primary School does not secure admission. Treat choosing childcare and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

Coton Green's April 2023 picture suits families who value practical play, outdoor challenge and growing independence. Children had opportunities to solve problems, cooperate and manage everyday tasks. The counterweight is clear: staff-led learning needed greater consistency. Its school-site position is useful context, but carries no promise of a school place.