Canterbury Cross Primary School Nursery

Communication and independent exploration shape Canterbury Cross’s early years approach. Adults help children take the next step in their learning, with the aim of enabling them to manage it themselves. That gives families a clear picture of the intended balance: children explore, while adults provide support.

The nursery belongs to Canterbury Cross Primary School on Canterbury Road in Birchfield, Birmingham. It has 60 part-time places. A nursery teacher and nursery teaching assistants sit within a wider team that includes an EYFS lead, giving this provision its own teaching roles within the primary school.

Two sessions frame the day: mornings run from 8:40am to 11:40am, and afternoons from 12:40pm to 3:40pm. Each offers a distinct attendance window, which matters when fitting nursery around family routines.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach here emphasises communication, children exploring independently and adults helping them achieve something they could not yet manage alone. In parent terms, the intention is to build independence through supported learning. Children are encouraged to have a say in their learning rather than simply follow adult direction.

Read Write Inc forms part of the EYFS approach to reading, writing and forming letters. Staff receive training in the programme, providing a shared method for this part of early learning. Alongside that teaching approach, Tapestry records children’s experiences through photographs, video and written entries. Parents can see activities and development, then add their own comments and media, connecting learning at nursery with experiences at home.

Tapestry gives families an ongoing record of their child’s learning. For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school’s support arrangements also include conversations with the class teacher and SENCO. Parents can arrange a SENCO meeting through the office, giving them a direct route to discuss concerns.

Support can involve adapted classroom teaching, small-group work or specialist input. Named services include the Communication and Autism Team and Speech and Language therapy. Referrals to specialist professionals require parental permission. SEND targets are reviewed three times a year, with parents involved in setting the next steps.

Meal administration is handled through Parent Pay, and changing a school meal arrangement requires a form from the office. Parents with safeguarding concerns are encouraged to speak to a designated safeguarding lead in school.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Birmingham City Council’s normal Reception admissions process and meet the deadline for their application year.

For the dated September 2024/2025 arrangements, nursery attendance was not a priority criterion. Those criteria covered looked-after or previously looked-after children, qualifying siblings and distance. This admission position is separate from support with moving classes.

For children with SEND, the school’s internal transition arrangements include passing information to the next teacher before the move, a handover meeting and sharing individual education plans. A book explaining the change can be made where it would help the child. These measures address familiarity and support needs; they do not determine admission.

Nursery uniform consists of a white polo shirt, grey jogging bottoms, a blue school sweatshirt or cardigan, and trainers with Velcro fastenings. The nursery has its own clothing specification, useful when preparing a child’s everyday kit.

Letters and notices reach families through the SIMS Parent App. General enquiries can go to enquiry@cantcros.bham.sch.uk or 0121 464 5321, and receptionists in the school office can direct enquiries to the appropriate person.