Lift Percy Shurmer Nursery Review

At the May 2023 inspection, outdoor trikes, children choosing their own materials and familiar routines gave a concrete picture of early learning at Lift Percy Shurmer. This is nursery provision within a primary school in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, where the school's age range begins at three. For parents, the useful focus is the youngest children's experience: becoming comfortable with school life while learning to make choices and share space with others.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 24 and 25 May 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Independence has practical expression here. In May 2023, the youngest children chose resources and materials for themselves. That gives children a part in deciding what to use, rather than leaving every choice to an adult. Staff planned activities and experiences carefully, with skilled teaching supporting children's learning. The combination matters: adult preparation and children's own decisions both have a place.

Trikes bring another kind of learning outdoors. Children negotiated with one another and took turns riding them, making shared equipment an opportunity to practise cooperation. The physical activity and the social demands sit together: using a trike also means managing a turn and considering another child.

Across early years, writing included words and short sentences, with accuracy and fluency developing. Children also checked their work and made corrections during a designated activity. These examples show learning that includes revisiting an attempt, as well as producing it. They describe the early years experience across the school rather than a timetable for every nursery child.

Familiar routines supported settling. In May 2023, the youngest children adjusted successfully to school life because staff knew them well and routines were established. For a parent thinking about the first separation from home, that connection between staff knowledge and predictable routines is meaningful. Settling was supported through the everyday organisation of early years.

The school's safeguarding arrangements were effective at the same inspection. Staff underwent checks before employment and received training to recognise concerns and raise them. Leaders acted promptly when concerns arose, helping children who needed support. These are school-wide arrangements relevant to the nursery's place within the school.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Choosing the nursery and securing a later school place are separate decisions.

In May 2023, the youngest children were very well prepared for their next learning stage. That finding concerns their learning and development; it does not confer an admissions advantage.

The nursery is part of Lift Percy Shurmer on Longmore Street, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 9ED. The school's telephone number is 01214643431, providing a direct contact route for nursery enquiries.