Gilbertstone Primary School Nursery Review

Play with room for children’s own ideas shapes Gilbertstone’s early years approach. The nursery belongs to Gilbertstone Primary School on Clay Lane in Birmingham, where provision begins at age three. Its character comes from children choosing how to develop their interests, with adults joining in to extend their learning and language.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum uses Development Matters guidance. In parent language, the starting points are learning to communicate, developing physical skills and managing feelings and relationships. Early reading, writing and mathematics sit alongside discovering the world and expressing ideas through art and imaginative activity. These areas connect through play rather than standing as isolated subjects.

Indoors and outside, planned play areas give children opportunities to make choices and return to things they have already learned. They can work with others or explore independently, practising skills at a pace suited to them. Asking questions, investigating and discussing ideas are part of that learning. Adults observe what children do, demonstrate skills and help move their play forward: child-led activity still has teaching within it.

Language deserves particular attention here. At the February 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that the early years curriculum was thoughtfully designed, with activities informed by children’s interests and needs. Adults demonstrated language effectively, helping children develop their communication. For a parent, that makes conversation an educational priority rather than simply something that happens around activities.

The wider school site also has a Forest School area. This is a concrete outdoor resource within the school setting, alongside the indoor and outdoor play described in the EYFS approach.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school’s support structure includes a SENDCO and an Inclusion Manager. Their responsibilities cover coordinating individual provision and helping children with medical, physical or speech and language needs. Families can arrange an appointment through the office or contact inclusion@gilbertstone.bham.sch.uk.

Starting arrangements for children with SEND include a meeting with the child and parents to discuss needs. Where necessary, a photo transition book introduces the new setting; visits and suitable workshops can also take place before the start date. These give families a way to share concerns before a child begins.

Parent involvement continues through meetings with the SENDCO or Inclusion Manager and, where appropriate, reviews of support. School support tools include visual timetables to clarify activities and, for some children with complex needs, individual profiles explaining how adults can help. These are school arrangements, rather than a promise of identical support for every nursery child.

Attending Gilbertstone’s nursery does not guarantee a place in its Reception classes. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a distinct decision from choosing nursery.

For children with SEND changing class within Gilbertstone, transition support may include photographs of the new classroom and teachers, discussion with the family and an introduction before the move where possible. Familiarisation supports the child; it does not secure admission.

The school office provides the enquiry route: telephone 0121 464 4664 or email office@gilbertstone.bham.sch.uk. Gilbertstone’s address is Clay Lane, Birmingham, B26 1EH. SEND discussions can be arranged through the same office, giving families a direct route to the inclusion team.