Parkfield Community School Nursery Review

Conversation, sustained play and growing independence give Parkfield’s early years its character. The nursery forms part of Parkfield Community School on Parkfield Road in Saltley, Birmingham, and operates part time. The original July 2012 plan allowed for 78 part-time nursery places; that is a planned capacity, rather than a count of children attending today.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 4 and 5 October 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play gives children time to concentrate. In October 2023, early years children stayed with their play for extended periods, while adults used conversation to build their ability to listen and express themselves. For parents, the useful detail is the connection between play and language: adults develop communication through exchanges with children.

Independence develops alongside that learning. Children showed strong control of their own behaviour and became more able to manage things for themselves. These are practical foundations for taking part in a group and making use of learning opportunities.

At the inspection on 4 and 5 October 2023, early years learning included developing speaking and listening through conversation, sustained play, and growing independence and self-control. Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage is used to assess children entering nursery, with assessments updated as they progress through the foundation stage. In parent terms, staff build a picture of each child’s development and keep checking it, helping them identify where additional support may be needed.

Settling was a strength in October 2023: early years children became comfortable quickly in an environment that held their interest. This gives families a dated indication of how children adjusted to the setting.

Support starts from nursery onwards. Class teachers identify individual needs and work with the special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENDCO) to review progress and adjust provision. Early years staff have training in Makaton and SCERTS to support children with higher levels of SEND needs.

Parents contribute through conversations, telephone calls, home-school diaries and progress reviews. The school’s support equipment includes accessible changing facilities. Together, these arrangements provide ways to discuss both learning and care needs, with parental views included when additional support is considered.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year.

For September 2027 entry, nursery attendance does confer priority in specified categories. Nursery children with a sibling who will still attend the academy that September rank ahead of other sibling applicants. After the sibling categories, nursery attendance also places children ahead of applicants considered on distance alone. Looked-after and previously looked-after children form the first oversubscription category, and proximity determines priority within each category. An advantage in the order is still not an offer.

For children with SEND, transition support includes accompanied visits with a parent or carer and booklets introducing the new learning environment. These help prepare children for change; they are separate from place allocation.

Nursery applications use a dedicated form. Enquiries can go to the school office on 0121 464 1131 or enquiry@parkfield.excelsiormat.org. School tours can also be arranged through the office, giving families a practical way to see the setting before applying.