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Nursery at Shaw Hill Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Bikes, climbing apparatus and books chosen by the children give Shaw Hill’s nursery its character. Play takes up substantial space in the session, alongside teaching in groups and shared stories. Children hold part-time places, attending either mornings or afternoons at the school on Anthony Road in Alum Rock.
The nursery sits within the school’s early years provision. Its balance of independent activity and adult guidance gives children opportunities to make choices while becoming familiar with group routines.
Books and conversation begin the session. Children then join their groups for a greeting song, name recognition and counting rhymes, before movement activities and teacher demonstrations of writing, reading or counting. These short shared activities lead into a longer period of choosing and exploring.
During this play period, children use both the classroom and outdoor area. Bikes and playground climbing equipment make physical activity part of the experience; indoors, children also complete a task with a small group. The session includes phonics and closes with another story. This gives the day a recognisable rhythm, with room for children’s own interests between organised activities.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework for care and learning before five. Shaw Hill combines adult direction with activities initiated by children, and staff observe learning to plan the next steps. Topics change each half-term. The 2025–2026 nursery curriculum includes Titch, Owls and The hungry Caterpillar, connecting books with exploring materials, animals and seasonal change.
At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children in early years quickly developed cooperation during activities they could move between freely. Learning also connected stories with exploring the world: castles and plant growth accompanied Jack and the Beanstalk. Books become starting points for discussion and discovery, rather than a separate part of the session.
Settling starts gradually. The induction plan moves from an hour on the first day to two hours on the next, then a full three-hour session. Parents can remain initially, and the timetable can change according to how their child copes. That flexibility matters for children who need more time before separating.
Fruit and milk are offered during play. Toilets are sized for children, and the nursery guidance expects children to use them independently. Families bring labelled spare clothing. A medical condition should be discussed with the SENDCO through an office appointment; prescribed medicine requires advance agreement with the office.
Home visits and transition meetings help staff get to know families. Parents can also join Fun To Learn workshops each half-term, linking nursery topics with activities at home. The nursery encourages families to talk, sing and share stories in the language they feel comfortable using.
SEND support follows the school’s assessment, planning, action and review cycle. Depending on individual needs, provision can include visual schedules, small-group work or individual support. The school’s SEND information report also identifies a sensory room. These are school support arrangements, with provision matched to the child rather than an automatic package.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Birmingham City Council process. Applications are completed online, with applications to be completed by January according to the nursery guidance; the local authority communicates offers in April.
Preparation is a separate matter. Families receive information in June about Reception transition activities, including induction meetings, home visits and stay-and-play sessions. These help children prepare for the change, but do not secure admission.
The children’s welcome booklet gives morning hours of 8:40am to 11:40am and afternoon hours of 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Both are part-time patterns. Punctual collection and drop-off are emphasised in the nursery guidance.
Uniform is optional for nursery children. Choose clothes suitable for messy activities and easy dressing, together with flat shoes for outdoor play. Label clothing and provide a book bag so your child can borrow a nursery book each week.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0121 464 2131 or email enquiry@shawhill.bham.sch.uk.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal Birmingham City Council admissions process.
Morning nursery runs from 8:40am to 11:40am, and afternoon nursery from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
The induction plan starts with an hour, then two hours, then a three-hour session. Parents can stay initially, and the plan changes according to the child’s needs.
They do not need uniform. The nursery recommends practical clothing for messy play, flat shoes and labelled clothes.
Fruit and milk are available during the play period.
