Cherry Orchard Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, paint and a three-hour morning give Cherry Orchard’s nursery its shape. The nursery class belongs to Cherry Orchard Primary School in Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, so children begin their education within a primary-school setting rather than a separate childcare provider.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 28 and 29 March 2023. That judgement covers the early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.

Five mornings a week provide a regular rhythm. Sessions run from 8:45 to 11:45, Monday to Friday, totalling 15 hours. For families, this means a morning pattern with collection before lunchtime.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) combines early learning with learning to be together. In March 2023, children developed vocabulary through stories and practised routines, sharing and taking turns. These are useful foundations for both conversation and participation in a group.

Reading has a physical place in the classroom: the early years classrooms have book corners with texts suited to children’s ages alongside books designed for practising sounds. Children can choose a book to take home for reading together. The English curriculum uses Read, Write Inc Phonics in small groups each day across early years, linking sounds with reading and understanding text. A Nursery Book List gives families another starting point for shared reading.

Creative activity extends outdoors as well as indoors. Early years children have daily access to materials for making pictures and objects, with drawing, painting, collage and construction among the activities. Adult-guided work develops these skills alongside opportunities to explore texture, colour and shape. Children therefore encounter learning through materials as well as through books.

Letter and number formation. In March 2023, adults did not always insist on careful formation in early years. This is a useful focus for conversations about a child’s early writing.

Sharing and turn-taking were established features of early years life in March 2023, with children cooperating happily. Learning these routines helps children take part in activities with their peers.

Support also sits within the wider school team. Learning mentors work alongside class teachers on children’s emotional and social needs, using individual mentoring, group work and conversations with families. The school’s SEND approach includes working with parents and specialist agencies to address barriers to learning. These are school-level support arrangements, rather than a separate nursery service.

Parents can raise a welfare concern with any staff member initially, or with a designated safeguarding lead. That gives families a direct route to flag worries.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process. Cherry Orchard’s admissions page directs parents to Birmingham’s online school admissions service or the local authority preference form.

Keep the nursery choice and the Reception application as two separate decisions. Familiarity with the school does not replace applying for a place.

The nursery’s morning timetable needs to fit the family’s working day: collection is at 11:45. General enquiries go through the school office on 0121 554 0862 or enquiry@cherryorchard.bham.sch.uk. Families considering Cherry Orchard can contact the school to arrange a visit.

For journeys by car, the school asks families to park beyond its park-and-stride zone and walk the remaining distance. It specifically asks parents to avoid parking on Cherry Orchard Road, Coopers Road, Bramley Drive and Inverclyde. Allow time for that final walk when planning collection.