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Nursery at Cotteridge Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, outdoor exploration and learning to manage the small tasks of childhood shape Cotteridge’s Nursery class. This provision for three- and four-year-olds belongs to Cotteridge Primary School on Breedon Road in Birmingham. Children have opportunities to investigate indoors and outside, with independence woven into learning rather than reserved for getting ready to leave.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum combines play with group teaching and activities led by adults. Its seven areas bring together movement, relationships and communication with early reading, number work, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, that means learning extends beyond letters and counting: taking turns and explaining a feeling belong in the day too.
The autumn 2024 Nursery plan gives this approach concrete form. Basic Makaton signs support communication, while Jigsaw sessions address personal and social development. Counting uses songs and objects; early phonics explores environmental noises and sounds made with the body. These are practical ways into language and number, rather than abstract exercises.
The same autumn 2024 plan includes bikes and scooters in the outdoor classroom, hopping and balancing activities, and role play that develops children’s stories. Regular PE adds another opportunity for movement, with children attending in their PE clothing on the relevant days.
There is an important curriculum caveat. At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted identified insufficiently precise planning of essential knowledge and vocabulary in some subjects, including early years. Families should weigh the concrete activities alongside that concern about how learning builds over time.
September settling begins before the first day. A June presentation introduces families to the Nursery team, followed by a July play visit where parents remain with their child. A private meeting with the teacher takes place in September before attendance begins. Children then join in stages across a week, reducing the number starting together. January and April entrants also have a teacher meeting and a preliminary play visit.
Lunch comes from home in a labelled bag, except for children on the beginning-of-week part-time pattern who leave at noon on Wednesday. Nuts and fizzy drinks are excluded. Morning fruit or vegetables are supplied, and families can register through Cool Milk for daily milk. Water is served in cups during the day; children staying for lunch bring a labelled, clear water bottle.
Email carries routine communication, with a newsletter sent on alternate Fridays. Urgent texts go to the first registered contact. Minor injuries are communicated through a note, while some head injuries or more serious concerns prompt a telephone call.
SEND support sits within the school’s arrangements. Parents take part in termly discussions about provision and progress, and specialist involvement requires parental consent. This gives families a regular opportunity to review how support is working.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Birmingham’s local authority admissions route. The school directs parents to apply in the autumn before their child turns four; allocation remains a separate decision.
Transition support has a different purpose. A summer meeting introduces parents to the teacher and SENDCo, and a taster session later that term helps children prepare for their new class. Those familiarisation activities support the change of classroom; they do not secure admission.
Nursery operates during term time, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm. Three attendance patterns are offered, including part-time attendance of 15 hours and a full-time pattern of 30 hours. The shorter patterns use the funded entitlement; the additional hours in full-time attendance are charged unless the family qualifies for further funding. Eligible families must renew their childcare code every three months. Contact the school for current charges.
Breakfast Club runs from 8am to 9am, with an optional 7.30am start. The Nursery handbook gives After School Club hours of 3pm to 5.30pm. Wraparound places require their own application and depend on space, so a Nursery offer should not be treated as confirmation of club attendance.
Children wear the school uniform and receive a book bag in their first week. Nursery enquiries go through the office on 0121 464 2865 or enquiry@cotridge.bham.sch.uk. If another adult will collect your child, notify the office before collection: staff require parental authorisation before releasing a child.
The nursery describes provision for three- and four-year-olds.
It opens Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, during term time. Part-time and full-time attendance patterns are offered.
No. Families must apply separately through Birmingham’s local authority admissions process.
Yes, except for children on the beginning-of-week part-time pattern who finish at noon on Wednesday. Lunches must exclude nuts and fizzy drinks.
September entrants have a parent presentation, a play visit with their parent and a teacher meeting before a staggered start. January and April entrants have a teacher meeting and play visit.
