Castle Bromwich Infant and Nursery School Nursery Review

Clay dinosaurs, model vehicles and homes built for toy animals give this nursery a practical, playful character. Castle Bromwich Infant and Nursery School offers provision for two and three year olds, with part-time and full-time options. All nursery places follow school terms. The part-time nursery building sits on Hurst Lane North, beside the school playground, placing it within the wider school setting.

A nursery manager and deputy manager lead a team that includes early years practitioners and a supervisory assistant. Ofsted’s February 2026 inspection judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Making things is a daily thread. Nursery children use junk modelling each day; planned activities include joining materials into vehicles, shaping dinosaurs from clay or playdough, and constructing animal homes with blocks and small world resources. These give children concrete ways to test ideas, handle materials and explain what they are making.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum combines learning with children’s developing communication and social skills. In February 2026, adults used conversation, clear examples of language and gestures to help children express their ideas. Children became more confident and learnt to cooperate in play. Jigsaw provides the nursery’s personal and social learning programme, connecting work on feelings and relationships with everyday interactions.

Assessment needs attention. In February 2026, checks on early years phonics were used to identify individual needs, but the information was not applied consistently across other learning. Families should weigh the positive work on language and cooperation alongside this limitation in how teaching responds to children’s progress.

Settling is a partnership with families. In February 2026, staff worked with parents to help children adjust to school and continue learning at home. Children with SEND and disadvantaged children made good progress relative to where they began.

For additional needs, the class teacher is the first contact. The school uses Assess–Plan–Do–Review, with parents contributing to support targets and receiving a copy of the updated plan after termly review meetings. Solihull Inclusion Support Service includes an Early Years Specialist Assessment team, giving the school access to advice beyond its own staff.

Snack, milk and water are supplied. Full-time nursery children can have a charged school lunch or bring food from home; nursery children do not qualify for universal infant free school meals. Parents tell nursery staff their child’s lunch choice each morning. Families supply nappies and wipes when needed, so these remain part of the daily packing routine.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step when planning your child’s move into school.

Preparation for the move includes a family information form shared with the new class teacher, plus classroom tours and teacher introductions. These help children become familiar with their next setting; they do not secure admission.

Two year olds can attend a morning session from 9am to noon; the part-time option for three year olds runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Both ages also have a full-time pattern of 9am to 3pm. Part-time provision is 15 hours and full-time provision 30 hours, all during term time.

Grant-funded childcare includes 15 hours for eligible two year olds and up to 30 hours for eligible three year olds. Eligibility is confirmed through Solihull’s Family Information Service before families contact the school office. Full-time nursery children can book additional care before and after school. Holiday play schemes are separately bookable for specified holiday weeks.

For nursery enquiries, telephone 0121 747 3369 or email office@cbins.solihull.sch.uk. Ask the school for current charges for meals and additional childcare. The school is changing its uniform, so check the current requirements before buying clothing.