Holy Name Catholic Primary School Nursery

Mornings and a story book to share at home give Holy Name’s nursery its clearest character. This is nursery provision within a Catholic primary school in Great Barr, rather than a separate childcare setting. The school has one class per year group, and families can register their interest in nursery before their child turns three.

Catholic education shapes the school’s aims. Holy Name wants children to develop their creative, physical, social and academic strengths, with parents involved as partners in their education. That gives families a clear sense of the values surrounding the nursery.

The nursery runs in the morning. Its curriculum sits within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Shared reading gives families a concrete part in that learning: children bring home a weekly story book, and parents are encouraged to discuss events, predict what happens next and explore characters’ actions. Nursery and Reception sit together within the school’s Foundation teaching responsibility, held by a class teacher who is also an assistant headteacher.

A concrete link between nursery learning and family life is the story book children take home each week. The purpose is shared reading with their family: an opportunity to enjoy a story together, rather than simply complete a task. Holy Name aims to help children enjoy reading, and this gives parents a regular way to participate.

For reading together at home, the school encourages families to choose a quiet, comfortable spot and talk about the book. Questions about what has happened, what might happen next and why a character acted as they did make the conversation part of the experience. Great Barr Library is the nearest library to the school, offering another place for families to explore books together.

Learning concerns have a clear contact route. An inclusion leader handles SEND enquiries, with the school office passing questions on to that role. For parents worried about their child’s learning or disability, this provides a specific starting point for a conversation about support.

Local support information covers Birmingham, Walsall and Sandwell, with the appropriate local offer depending on where the child lives. These services span social care, health and education, helping families consider support beyond the classroom.

Prescribed medicine requires a completed request form and a signed consent letter from the child’s legal guardian. Parents must make the school aware before sending medication in. This is a practical preparation step for families whose child needs medicine during school hours.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process.

Sandwell residents apply through Sandwell Council; families living elsewhere should use their own council’s route, including Birmingham or Walsall where relevant. Treat nursery enrolment and the later school application as separate decisions. Being part of the nursery does not replace that application.

Morning nursery begins at 8.45am. This morning-only pattern matters when matching childcare to work and family routines.

Enquiries go through the school office by telephone, email or the general enquiry form. Call 0121 357 3216 or email office@holyname.sandwell.sch.uk. Families can also request a school tour, giving them an opportunity to discuss the setting before deciding.

The address is Cross Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham, B43 6LN. Office opening hours are 8.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 3.45pm on Fridays, useful when planning when to make contact.