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Nursery at Highters Heath Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Real saws, muddy exploration and books to borrow give Highters Heath Nursery School a distinctive mix of practical discovery and storytelling. This is a local authority nursery school in Warstock, Birmingham, educating children aged two to four before they move to primary school. The nursery is the school itself, rather than a department within a primary school.
Capacity depends on attendance patterns: the school describes space for 120 children if everyone attends part time. Qualified teachers, early years practitioners and a qualified SEND coordinator make up the teaching and support structure. A speech and language therapist also works regularly with children, families and staff.
Play combines activities planned by adults with opportunities for children to choose their own direction. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for learning and care; here, children's interests help shape what staff explore next. That means learning can begin with something a child already wants to investigate.
Forest School uses the school grounds, with sessions offered to all children. Possible Forest School activities include den building, searching for small creatures and mud kitchen play, giving children practical ways to explore nature. Waterproof outfits are supplied; families bring wellies. Woodwork takes the practical approach further: children handle hammers and saws, wear protective glasses and saw with an adult supervising individually. These are concrete opportunities to practise judgement and handling tools.
In April 2024, stories ran through the day, with traditional tales and mathematically themed books among the choices. A reading nook let children select books independently, while a lending library extended reading into home life. Children chose resources for themselves and helped clear up at session end, giving independence a place in everyday routines.
Language teaching. Some staff needed further support to extend children's conversation and listening in April 2024. Families should weigh that inconsistency alongside the emphasis on books and the regular speech and language therapist's involvement.
Settling begins gently. During the first one to two weeks, attendance builds at a pace suited to the child. The first session lasts an hour, with a parent or trusted adult staying; the key worker then discusses when a short separation is appropriate. Families need to allow time for this gradual start.
Tapestry carries photographs and videos of nursery experiences, and parents can contribute their own. Arbor handles parent communications. For SEND, progress reviews involve the key worker, support staff and SEND coordinator each term, with parent consultations twice a year. In April 2024, children with SEND made good progress through support planned with families and outside agencies. Safeguarding arrangements were effective at that time.
Lunch is usually brought from home; eligible children can receive a school-provided packed lunch. The nursery is nut-free, lunchboxes are chilled, and food cannot be reheated. Breakfast Club serves toast or cereal, with optional fruit and milk; After School Club includes a light meal and drink.
Governance. In April 2024, governors needed a better understanding of curriculum quality and leaders' impact to challenge decisions effectively. This was a separate concern from children's daily care.
Highters Heath prepares children to leave for primary school. Ready, Steady Reception gives families guidance about skills for starting school, recognising that children develop at different speeds. It supports preparation, rather than allocating a school place.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet its deadline. Treat nursery attendance and choosing a primary school as separate decisions.
The 15-hour option runs across two and a half days in term time. One pattern covers Monday and Tuesday, 8:50am to 3pm, plus Wednesday, 8:50am to 11:30am. The other starts Wednesday, 12:20pm to 3pm, followed by Thursday and Friday, 8:50am to 3pm. Full-time attendance is 9am to 3pm each weekday for 30 hours.
Funded 15-hour places cover all three- and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds; eligible children can access 30-hour places. Self-funded attendance depends on space. Childcare codes require renewal every three months, except for the 15-hour entitlement for three- and four-year-olds.
Breakfast Club runs from 8am to 9am in term time, with breakfast served only until 8:30am. After School Club runs from 3pm to 5pm in term time only. Extended care is charged, with a food charge when funded hours cover out-of-hours care; contact the office for current charges and club enquiries.
Uniform is optional. Choose manageable clothes for messy activities and labelled outdoor clothing. Visits can be arranged through the office on 0121 474 2356 or enquiry@hiheathn.bham.sch.uk; nursery applications use an online form or a returned paper form.
Children aged two to four. Entry starts the term after a child's third birthday, or after their second birthday if eligible for a two-year-old place.
Yes. The 15-hour pattern covers two and a half days in term time, with either the beginning or the end of the week. Funding covers all three- and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds.
The first session is an hour with a parent or trusted adult present. The key worker discusses separation with you, and attendance builds according to your child's needs.
Children normally bring a nut-free packed lunch. Eligible children can receive a packed lunch from school. Lunchboxes are refrigerated, and food cannot be heated.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. The nursery's school-readiness work is preparation for that next stage, rather than a place allocation.
