Broadmeadow Infant School Nursery Review

In March 2023, purposeful play and early number work were strengths of Broadmeadow’s predecessor nursery provision, alongside a serious concern about how promptly children began learning the foundations of reading. This is the nursery within Broadmeadow Infant School on Monyhull Hall Road in Kings Norton, Birmingham.

The school joined Robin Hood Multi-Academy Trust on 1 July 2025 and reopened as an academy. The current academy has no Ofsted graded rating yet. Historical findings belong to the predecessor school: its early years provision required improvement in March 2023. That distinction matters when weighing the nursery’s past against its present identity.

In March 2023, nursery children were engaged in play with a clear learning purpose, with adults who understood how to support them. Teaching of early mathematics was a strength. These findings give parents a concrete picture of children learning through play and adult interaction, rather than simply occupying themselves.

There were important weaknesses too. At that time, leaders had an insufficient grasp of children’s progress across early years, and their checks on curriculum delivery and assessment were inadequate. Nursery children also began the groundwork for reading too late. For families, the concern was both what children learned and how reliably adults understood their next steps.

By July 2024, reading work at the predecessor school began in Nursery, alongside staff training and attention to the sounds children knew. This is useful historical context, rather than a current nursery grade.

Settling starts with a home visit from the child’s teacher. For children with additional needs, the SENCO or pastoral team may also take part, giving families an opportunity to explain what helps their child. Extra school visits and, sometimes, a shorter initial timetable may support children starting nursery.

Individual support has practical tools. Children with additional needs have a one-page profile describing strengths, difficulties and helpful adult responses. Staff, including cover teachers, can access it. Parents are invited to discuss progress at least termly, and individual learning targets can be viewed through Provision Map. This gives families specific information to discuss, rather than only a general reassurance.

Across the school, visual timetables help children understand routines and changes. Classroom-door ramps and an accessible toilet provide physical adjustments; an Accessibility Walk with a family may help establish what their child needs. The school’s support options include Wellcomm, Sensory Circuits and ELSA. Parents are consulted and written permission is requested before an external professional is introduced to their child.

Meals for the infant school are supplied by Hollywood Primary School and delivered freshly cooked each day. Families receive school communications through Arbor and Medical Tracker.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process by its applicable deadline.

For children with additional needs, changing classes includes advance discussion with the next teacher and transfer of their one-page profile and learning plans. That continuity helps the next adult understand the child’s support. It is a transition arrangement, not an admissions advantage.

Contact the infant school office on 0121 464 4266 or email enquiry@broadmeadowschool.co.uk for nursery enquiries. The school welcomes visits. For concerns about additional needs, parents can request a SENCO appointment or telephone conversation through the office, providing a direct route to discuss their child’s circumstances.