Kings Rise Academy Nursery Review

Play dough caterpillars and butterfly spots give early learning a concrete shape at Kings Rise Academy’s nursery. In June 2023, children used play to practise number and literacy skills, while adults developed their understanding through conversation. Learning had something children could handle, compare and explain.

The nursery belongs to Kings Rise Academy in Kingstanding, Birmingham, and admits children in the term following their third birthday. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Conversation does real work here. In June 2023, children could explain their play dough creations and compare spots on butterflies, applying early mathematical and literacy learning to their activities. Adults built on children’s questions and observations to develop vocabulary and understanding. For parents, this gives a useful picture of learning through play: making something also becomes an opportunity to describe a process or explore quantity.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) includes autumn themes called All About Me and Celebrate. These provide named starting points for learning about children themselves and celebrations. The clearest picture of the nursery’s approach is practical: children use early skills in their play and talk about what they are doing, with adults extending the discussion.

Families can bring developmental concerns to the class teacher, SEND team or pastoral team. Across the school, support follows an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, moving between classroom adjustments, targeted help and specialist provision according to need. Speech and Language Interventions and Drawing and talking are among the named forms of targeted support. These give parents concrete options to discuss when a child needs additional help.

Support is reviewed with families through parent consultations, and provision for children with special educational needs is evaluated each term. Parent Link Workers also work alongside pastoral staff. The school has outdoor ramps, a disabled toilet and disabled parking, providing practical access adaptations alongside its support arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Birmingham City Council’s school admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step when planning your child’s next year.

Transition support serves a different purpose. For children starting Reception, the early years team offers a home visit and stay-and-play sessions to help establish familiarity. Children with SEND can also have transition booklets, and staff share information about individual needs. These arrangements support the move into a new routine; they do not secure admission.

For nursery enquiries, telephone 0121 464 4635. General enquiries can also go to kraenquiry@kingsrise.org. The Early Years Pupil Premium provides additional funding for qualifying three-year-olds, with the school office offering eligibility advice. This is additional support funding, distinct from a nursery session arrangement.

Parking. Parents may use the staff car park only where the disabled-access exception applies. Plan journeys around that restriction. The school’s catering structure includes kitchen staff and lunchtime supervisors, while second-hand school uniform is offered through termly sales, giving families another route to obtain school clothing.