Nelson Primary School Nursery

Hobbit holes and natural play materials give Nelson Primary School’s early years outdoor space a distinctive character in Ladywood, Birmingham. Nature has a clear place in the curriculum, with a purpose-designed area for the youngest children to explore. The nursery belongs to the school’s early years provision and is known as Foundation One.

Three whole days shape the week: children attend from Monday to Wednesday in term time. For families whose routines fit that pattern, nursery days are concentrated into the first part of the week.

Development Matters guides the early years curriculum. Nelson describes this as guidance about how young children grow and learn; the emphasis includes becoming independent, showing kindness and developing resilience. These are everyday learning aims alongside the beginnings of reading.

Phonics starts during the nursery year, with families directed to Little Wandle resources. Nelson uses Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, a programme that connects letters with sounds for reading and spelling. Speaking and listening also receive attention, giving language development a place alongside early literacy.

Outside, the early years area combines hobbit holes with natural resources intended to invite sensory exploration. Children have a physical setting for investigating and imaginative play, rather than learning about nature only through pictures. The Foundation One trip plan also names Teeny Weenies and Lego Discovery Land, alongside animal encounters and soft play. These extend the play-based experiences beyond the school site.

Parents can contribute directly to the nursery’s learning plans by sharing their child’s interests. Focus meetings with the teacher take place after school on Tuesdays, with a week’s notice before a family’s meeting. That gives parents a specific opportunity to bring home interests into the conversation about learning.

Home activities have a communication route too: the early years team asks families to record them in the home-school book. Nursery rhymes, songs and listening activities feature among the suggested resources, including Tiny Happy People. This makes language practice something families can fit into ordinary routines.

Cityserve provides the school’s lunch service. Its menus include a daily vegetarian choice, and families should discuss allergies or dietary needs with the office. The school’s SEND guidance directs parents first to their child’s teacher, with the special educational needs coordinator involved where needed. Support follows a graduated approach, increasing in intensity according to the child’s response.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

Attendance pattern. Nursery runs on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during school terms. Families need a weekly childcare arrangement that fits those days and the school holidays.

Enquiries can go through the school’s contact form or by telephone on 0121 464 2201. The contact form provides a direct route for sending a message to the school office.