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Nursery at Newtown 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Gardening, cooking and caring for living things give Newtown's nursery day a practical character. Children have time to follow their interests, with a key person providing familiar points of contact. This is a Birmingham maintained nursery school on Hockley Close, rather than a nursery class within a primary school.
The nursery offers up to 72 full-time-equivalent places for children aged nine months to four years. Specialist early years teachers and teaching assistants form part of the team. Ofsted judged the nursery school Outstanding following its inspection on 5 and 6 March 2024; this is the school's judgement, rather than a separate outcome for an attached nursery.
A session has a recognisable rhythm: 15 minutes with the key person to plan learning, 90 minutes of play chosen by children, then another 15-minute group gathering for food, reflection, songs and stories. Children choose between indoor and outdoor activities, while adults develop learning from their interests. Freedom sits within a predictable routine.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers seven areas of learning here, combining play with experiences led by adults. In practical terms, children make books, build with blocks, experiment with sand and water, and explore paint and woodwork. Repeated experiences allow activities to develop as children's skills grow. The creativity approach draws on Reggio Emilia, with an artist in residence helping children express ideas through materials and making.
The garden is part of the learning environment, including growing food and caring for plants. Cooking, shopping and park visits connect play to everyday life. In March 2024, language learning included discussing newly arrived chicks and exploring words such as incubator and life cycle. Stories received sustained attention, including Jack and the Beanstalk. These examples show how conversation and books extend children's understanding beyond the activity itself.
Each family has a named key person, with daily opportunities to talk and termly meetings to discuss learning and agree next steps. Before starting, families have an induction meeting, sometimes followed by a home visit. Settling is approached together, giving parents and children time to build familiarity.
Hot lunches come from education caterers, with fruit offered as a morning snack and drinking water accessible during the day. Care routines include nappy changes, washing and periods for rest or sleep. These sit within the nursery's daily rhythm, alongside play and group learning.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the 2023–2024 information report describes a nurture room, level flooring and ramps into the garden. Visual timetables and Makaton resources support understanding of routines. In March 2024, children with SEND received adapted activities and support individually or in groups, with learning plans setting out actions for staff and parents. Ofsted found safeguarding effective at the March 2024 inspection.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing this nursery and choosing a primary school as separate decisions.
During the summer term, Newtown works with nearby primary schools on transition. Its 2023–2024 SEND information report describes meetings involving parents, nursery staff and the receiving school's teacher and SENCO, with additional school visits where appropriate. This supports continuity of care and learning; it does not secure admission.
Families can use morning, afternoon or blocked-day attendance patterns. The school also describes a split-week arrangement for three-year-olds: Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon plus Thursday and Friday, except for children entitled to 30 hours. Opening hours are 8.30am to 3.15pm; morning collection is between 11.20am and 11.30am to protect group learning.
Funded provision includes 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds and 30 hours for eligible working families, alongside funded two-year-old places subject to eligibility. Additional attendance hours can be purchased, subject to availability. Meals, nappies and trips may incur extra charges, so discuss current charges with the school. Enquiries go to 0121 675 8876 or enquiry@newtownn.bham.sch.uk.
Journey planning. The Saltley Viaduct closure was scheduled from 10 May 2026 for approximately 18 months. Families travelling through that area should check diversions and allow extra journey time.
The nursery's detailed information gives an age range of nine months to four years, with up to 72 full-time-equivalent places.
Key-person group time frames a longer period of child-chosen play indoors and outdoors. Activities include gardening, cooking, book making and construction.
Families have a pre-entry induction meeting and sometimes a home visit. Each child and family has a named key person, with opportunities for daily conversations.
Hot meals are brought in by education caterers. Children also have a morning fruit snack and access to water throughout the day. Meals may carry an additional charge.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Transition work with primary schools supports the move but does not secure a place.
