Heathlands Primary Academy Nursery Review

A home visit before the first nursery session gives Heathlands a personal starting point. This is the nursery within Heathlands Primary Academy in Castle Bromwich, with approximately 52 part-time places divided between morning and afternoon groups of 26. It serves children in the year before compulsory education, with entry normally for children who are three before September begins. Depending on space, children turning three during the academic year can sometimes join too.

The early years provision received an Outstanding judgement at Ofsted’s inspection on 27 and 28 June 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Indoor and outdoor learning spaces both contribute to the early years experience. In June 2023, these spaces supported purposeful activity in a safe, stimulating setting. Learning therefore extends beyond the classroom, while remaining organised around what children need to develop.

Adult knowledge is a substantial strength. In June 2023, staff combined their understanding of early learning with carefully selected, structured activities. They adapted provision around individual children rather than expecting everyone to learn in the same way. For a parent, the useful distinction is that activities have a teaching purpose as well as something to occupy a child.

The Early Years Foundation Stage here includes developing the habits children need to learn alongside others. In June 2023, children showed consideration towards each other, paid attention when listening and sustained their involvement in activities. These are practical foundations for joining a group, following an activity and taking part in shared learning. The curriculum begins in Nursery and builds learning progressively.

Before starting, each child receives a visit at home from the Nursery Team, usually during September’s first week. Families also meet the Foundation Stage co-ordinator and teaching assistants informally. This creates opportunities to discuss the start together before children attend independently.

A parent-and-child workshop usually follows in September’s second week, introducing families to nursery activities. Children then begin from the third week back. The sequence gives families contact with staff and an introduction to the activities before the regular nursery routine starts.

Full-time children can have a hot lunch. This is free where parents or carers receive Income Support or Income based Job Seekers Allowance. Heathlands operates a nut-free rule, which matters when preparing food to bring into school. Contact the school for current meal charges. The nursery staffing includes a teacher with deputy designated safeguarding responsibilities.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority under the stated admission criteria. Families must apply separately through Birmingham Schools admissions or the local authority preference form. The criteria prioritise children in public care, qualifying siblings and proximity measured in a straight line. Familiarity with Heathlands must therefore be kept separate from the allocation of a school place.

Morning and afternoon part-time places are the main session choices. Full-time places depend on vacancies after part-time allocation and the local authority’s welfare criteria. Eligible families may access up to 30 funded hours for children aged three to four; funding eligibility and an available full-time place are separate considerations.

Nursery clothing can combine a purple school sweatshirt with other suitable clothes. Label belongings with the child’s name and class. For nursery enquiries, contact enquiries@hpa.greenheartlearning.org or telephone 0121 747 2705.