Prince Albert Junior and Infant School Nursery Review

Curiosity, confident conversation and children working together give Prince Albert’s early years its character. The nursery belongs to Prince Albert Junior and Infant School on Albert Road in Aston, Birmingham. It is part of a school setting, with access to the school’s inclusion arrangements.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 25 and 26 February 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery inspection.

Learning in the early years combines growing independence with collaboration. In February 2025, children confidently explained their activities and took pride in sharing their learning. For parents, that gives a concrete picture of children participating and expressing ideas, rather than simply completing tasks directed by adults.

The organisation of the learning environment matters here. In February 2025, its arrangement encouraged children’s interest and curiosity, while adults chose their moments to join activities and extend understanding. Adult involvement helped children take their thinking further. These findings describe the school’s early years provision as a whole.

Settling was a strength of early years in February 2025: children became comfortable quickly. For children with additional needs, induction can include a meeting involving parents and professionals already working with the child. Information is then passed to staff so that support can be planned around the child. A gradual start or an adjusted day may be offered during induction.

Support has a clear team structure. The Lead Practitioner for Inclusion and SEND coordinates individual provision, working with teachers, parents and outside agencies. Under the trust’s arrangements, parents receive review paperwork and are offered a SEND review call each term. This gives families a regular opportunity to discuss progress and the support being used.

Physical access includes ramps and adapted toilets across the school site. Families can discuss individual access needs. For a child with complex medical requirements, planning involves parents, the school nurse and other relevant health professionals through an individual healthcare plan.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For the 2027/2028 admissions cycle, it also gives no priority in allocating Reception places. Families must make a separate application using their home local authority’s application form and meet the deadline for the relevant admissions round. The local authority sends the offer directly.

Preparation for a new class is a separate matter. For children with SEND, preferences and helpful strategies are passed to their next teacher through a One Page Profile. Nursery children with complex additional needs also take a transition book home for the summer, giving families something concrete to use together before the change.

For nursery enquiries, telephone 0121 327 0594 or email enquiry@princealbert.bham.sch.uk. School tours can be arranged by appointment, allowing families to discuss joining with the school directly.

The trust does not seek donations, deposits or voluntary financial contributions as part of admissions. This applies even to refundable deposits, so an application is not conditional on making an admissions contribution.