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Nursery at Mayfield 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sensory exploration and learning to communicate shape the early years at Mayfield. Nursery provision sits within a Birmingham special school that accepts children from age three, with an EYFS pathway centred on each child's development. The school supports children with autism, moderate or severe learning difficulties, and profound and multiple learning difficulties, including children with additional medical complexities.
At the inspection on 22 and 23 May 2024, Ofsted graded early years provision Good. That judgement covers the school's early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) pathway concentrates on physical development, communication and language, and personal, social and emotional development. For parents, that means learning includes expressing a choice, developing movement and beginning to understand feelings. Sensory experiences give children ways to explore their surroundings, while relationships with adults form part of the school's approach.
In May 2024, the sensory curriculum supported children's preparation for their next stage. Early reading included recognising sounds and developing the movements needed to handle books. Children also practised making choices and communicating them. These are practical foundations for participating in learning.
Get Real is the wider school's curriculum approach. Teaching gives pupils opportunities to repeat and practise skills before progressing, with learning assessed against personal goals and EHCP targets. The emphasis is on what each child can do next, rather than a single pace for everyone.
Physical access matters here. At Heathfield Road, a lift connects the two floors and ramps reach the rear playground. Wheeler Street's provision occupies one accessible level, with ramp access to two playgrounds and classroom space for wheelchairs and mobility equipment. These are school facilities; families should consider the access arrangements relevant to their child's placement.
Individual Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) targets receive teaching time and are revisited each term with parents. A Home School diary carries daily information between families and staff, alongside termly parent evenings and annual EHCP reviews. This gives parents several ways to discuss development and contribute information from home.
Across the school, staff training includes Makaton, TEACCH and intensive interaction. Specialist advice can come from occupational therapy, the school nurse and doctor. Pastoral managers work across both sites, helping families with routines, communication and access to other support. Heathfield Road and Wheeler Street each have a dinner menu.
Consistency of support. In May 2024, school-wide weaknesses included uneven use of curriculum, behaviour and individual communication strategies. These were not identified specifically as nursery weaknesses, but make consistent implementation of a child's support an important discussion for families.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Mayfield's placements are arranged through local authority referral and EHCP processes; families should discuss the next placement with their local authority rather than assume nursery attendance settles it. The trust routinely gives no admission priority, assessing suitability when an authority requests a placement. Exceptional prioritisation may be agreed with the school at a local authority's request.
Placements are normally full time. Part-time arrangements are exceptional, must serve the child's educational interests and require written agreement from the placing local authority. The school day runs from 8:40am to 2:40pm.
Before admission, families are encouraged to visit to consider whether the placement meets their child's needs. Medical and educational induction must be completed before a child starts. Enquiries can be made on 0121 809 2500 or by email to enquiry@mayfield.eiat.org.uk. Travel assistance applications go through Birmingham City Council, which organises transport arrangements.
Mayfield accepts children from age three. Placements are arranged through local authority referral.
The EYFS pathway emphasises communication and language, physical development, and personal, social and emotional development, with sensory exploration.
No. Discuss the next placement through the local authority and EHCP process. The trust routinely has no admission priority order.
Only exceptionally, where it is in the child's educational interests and the placing local authority agrees in writing.
Families contribute through the Home School diary, termly parent evenings and annual EHCP reviews. Individual EHCP targets are shared and reviewed each term.
