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Nursery at Adderley Nursery School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Child-led play sets the pace at Adderley: children choose between indoor and outdoor activities, while adults build learning around their interests. This is a Birmingham maintained nursery school in Saltley, rather than a nursery class within a primary school. Its provision brings children aged two to four together in a shared unit, with up to 138 full-time-equivalent places.
Qualified early years teachers lead the nursery alongside qualified nursery practitioners. Younger children have the Loft Room and Green Room as their bases; older children progress to Studio 1 and Studio 2. Those distinct spaces give children a familiar base within the shared provision.
The session has a clear rhythm. Children begin with 15 minutes in their key-person group to plan their learning, followed by 90 minutes of play they initiate themselves, inside and outdoors. Another 15-minute gathering brings food, reflection, singing and stories. Children have substantial time to follow an idea, with group time providing a shared beginning and ending.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum links play with developing communication, physical skills and learning. Planning responds to observations and individual needs. Shopping, growing plants, cooking and caring for living creatures turn everyday experiences into learning. In April 2023, children developed vocabulary while measuring containers for potato planting, and explored numbers up to 10 with adult support. Reading happened across the day, with stories used to explore letter sounds and prediction.
Outdoor play is part of the daily routine. Children can move between the garden and indoor spaces during play, and use planks, boxes and ladders to construct their own designs. Adults help them check whether those constructions are safe. The April 2023 inspection described children developing balance and climbing skills on bridges and rock walls.
Forest School takes place in the Nursery Forest, an area of trees, bushes and plants. A first-aid-trained teacher with a Forest School level 3 qualification leads sessions throughout the year, except in dangerous weather. Possible activities include searching for mini-beasts, making dens and exploring mud; tools and campfire cooking are introduced gradually with close adult support. This gives practical exploration a place alongside classroom learning.
Each family has a named key practitioner, giving parents a consistent person with whom to share information. Before a child starts, there is an induction meeting at nursery, sometimes accompanied by a home visit. Settling is a joint process with parents. Termly meetings consider progress and next steps, while Tapestry lets families contribute learning from home.
Food includes hot lunches delivered by specialist education caterers, a fruit snack in the morning and drinking water throughout the day. Breakfast and tea cater for children attending longer days. Children also grow food in the garden. Nappy changes, washing, changing clothes and rest or sleep are treated as opportunities for care and learning with the key person.
SEND support follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review, involving parents in agreeing support and reviewing its effect. Individual support may include a dedicated worker, depending on need and allocated funding. In April 2023, additional needs were recognised promptly, sensory circuits supported children with SEND, and safeguarding arrangements were effective.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
Preparation for that move is a separate matter. During the summer term, Adderley works with nearby primary schools on transition. The SENDCo also liaises with future settings to prepare children and families; a SEND Support Provision Plan may be developed where additional support will be needed at primary school.
The 15-hour provision can be taken in morning sessions, afternoon sessions or blocks of days. Eligible working parents can access 30 hours, and breakfast and tea provide wraparound care. The admissions information also covers funded part-time places for eligible two-year-olds. Meals, nappies or trips may involve additional charges; contact the school for current charges.
The Enquire Now form accepts weekday preferences and AM, PM or combined-session preferences. Families can also email enquiry@addleyn.bham.sch.uk or telephone 0121 464 4183. For Forest School, the nursery supplies waterproof suits and wellington boots. Children should wear clothing suitable for outdoor activity, with layers and clothes that can get muddy.
The nursery describes its shared provision as catering for children aged two to four.
A 15-minute key-person group is followed by 90 minutes of child-initiated indoor and outdoor play, then a 15-minute gathering for food, reflection, stories and singing.
Hot meals come from specialist education caterers. There is a morning fruit snack and water throughout the day, with breakfast and tea for children attending longer days.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
Use the Enquire Now form, email enquiry@addleyn.bham.sch.uk or call 0121 464 4183. The form accepts preferred weekdays and AM, PM or AM and PM preferences.
