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Nursery at Lillian De Lissa 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An art studio, tree climbing and clay tools give Lillian De Lissa’s nursery day its character: children have space to choose, make and explore. This maintained nursery school in Birmingham serves children aged two, three and four. Nursery education is the school’s purpose, with specialist early years teachers, teaching assistants and an artist in residence supporting the provision.
The May 2026 Ofsted report recorded Expected standard for curriculum and teaching, achievement and inclusion, with safeguarding standards met. Its practical strengths include accessible learning and purposeful physical activities; the points needing attention concern vocabulary teaching and consistency during changes of activity.
Choice shapes much of the day. Children move between outdoor activities and indoor play, working alone, alongside friends or with an adult. Group sessions bring everyone back together for planned teaching and conversation. That gives the day a recognisable rhythm while allowing children to pursue their interests.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning to everyday experiences: talking, moving, managing feelings, exploring numbers and making marks. The youngest children concentrate on communication, physical skills and social development. Creativity also has a clear place. The 2022–23 prospectus describes an approach influenced by Reggio Emilia, alongside work with musicians and storytellers.
A large open plan learning space sits alongside the art studio, dining room and nurture room. Materials with no fixed use let children decide what to build or imagine. Outdoors, the Forest Area supports repeated exploration of nature. Health for Life connects growing produce with harvesting and cooking, giving healthy eating a practical meaning.
In May 2026, children explored clay with tools and climbed trees outside. Stories and rhymes introduced new words, while balancing blocks and manipulating fastenings developed coordination. Language teaching was uneven, however: some interactions needed to extend children’s vocabulary and understanding further. This matters in a day where so much learning happens through conversation.
A key person, sometimes two, gives each child a familiar adult to turn to. The November 2023 SEND offer describes home visits, introductory visits, transition books and settling arrangements adapted to the child. The 2022–23 prospectus also describes shorter initial days, with lunch added after settling. Families should plan for time supporting that adjustment.
Daily conversations with the key worker give parents a regular contact point. For children needing additional support, the SEND offer includes WELLCOMM language screening, individual plans and reviews at least each term. A sensory space, quiet areas, ramps and flooring on one level support access and participation.
Food is also social: the prospectus describes children eating with their group and an adult. Fruit, toast and drinking water are provided. A March 2023 catering letter announced NN Caterers, with provision for dietary needs and known allergies, and halal accreditation. Families need to share allergy information with staff.
By May 2026, children could use quieter spaces to rest, and personalised SEND support helped them participate. Most managed routines, but some struggled when activities changed and staff responses were inconsistent. Calmer transitions remained a required improvement.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate primary school application through the local authority’s normal process and meet its deadline.
Preparation is separate from allocation. The November 2023 SEND offer describes inviting receiving primary school teachers and SENCOs into nursery, arranging transition meetings with parents and providing transition books where possible. Extra primary school visits are organised where appropriate. These arrangements help adults share what a child needs before the move.
The 2022–23 prospectus set out full time hours of 8.45am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, plus two part time patterns dividing the week around Wednesday. It also described a charged after school club until 5pm during term, prioritising working and studying parents. The enquiry form accepts preferred days and morning, afternoon or combined preferences.
The school describes 15 funded hours for eligible two-year-olds and for three- and four-year-olds from the term after their third birthday. Full time places depend on local authority criteria. Paid additional hours and lunch charges are described separately; ask the school for current charges. Contributions towards extras, events and visits are voluntary, although insufficient contributions can prevent an activity taking place.
Choose labelled clothes suitable for messy play and independent toileting, with spares. Collection is by authorised adults. Enquiries can be made through the online form, on 0121 675 3421 or at enquiry@ldelissa.bham.sch.uk.
The nursery offers places for children aged two, three and four.
Much of the day involves children choosing indoor or outdoor activities, alongside adult supported play and planned group sessions.
Introductory visits, home visits and transition books help children become familiar with nursery. Settling arrangements respond to individual needs, with shorter days described in the 2022–23 prospectus.
The November 2023 SEND offer describes language screening, individual support plans, termly reviews and adapted spaces, including a sensory space and quiet areas.
No. Families apply separately for a primary school place through the local authority. Transition support helps children prepare for the move; it does not secure admission.
