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Nursery at Shenley Fields 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Purpose-built spaces for different ages and substantial outdoor grounds give Shenley Fields its character: children have room to explore, with teachers and early years professionals sharing the work of care and learning. This is a local authority maintained nursery school in Northfield, rather than a nursery classroom within a primary school.
The provision includes places for children from three months to five years. Raindrops covers ages two to three, while Sunbeams covers three to four. Shenley Fields belongs to the Birmingham Federation of Maintained Nursery Schools, a group of nine nursery schools.
Play combines children's own choices with activities guided by adults. In December 2024, Ofsted found that this balance helped children build the skills needed for their next stage of learning. Examples included investigating ice to release penguins, making cakes from mud and preparing Gruffalo crumble. These are practical ways to explore materials, imagination and cooking.
Language runs through the day. Books including The Hungry Caterpillar and The Gruffalo supply stories and vocabulary, while adults help children pronounce unfamiliar words. Silly Soup turns listening for matching initial sounds into a game. Early reading develops through activities arranged in a deliberate sequence, and number learning is woven into play rather than confined to a separate task.
Indoor and outdoor learning both feature in the day. Children practise independence by getting themselves into wet suits and helping one another with activities. Adults observe their learning and use those observations to decide what each child should tackle next. Unicef Rights Respecting work also brings relationships into focus: a children's steering group created a song about safe parking for parents, giving children a practical role in keeping their community safe.
Each child has a key person or key people who explain the support being provided and discuss development with families. Informal conversations are encouraged, alongside consultations each term. Parents help set learning targets, and their permission is sought before other professionals become involved. This gives families a part in planning support rather than simply receiving updates.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), support can include individual work with an adult, small groups, visual timetables and symbols. Staff have undertaken basic Makaton training, and an autism lead practitioner holds AET Level 3 qualification. Speech and Language Therapists and the Communication and Autism Team are among the services involved when needed.
Daily tooth brushing makes personal care part of learning. Children also learn about food and looking after their bodies. The December 2024 inspection found safeguarding effective and described prompt identification of SEND, with support enabling children to participate in the same curriculum as their peers.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Treat that application as a separate decision from choosing nursery care.
Preparation for the next stage happens through everyday learning: practising independence, developing language and learning to cooperate. These skills support the move to Reception; they do not establish an admissions advantage.
Opening hours are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, for up to 49 weeks each year. Funded hours operate differently: Shenley Fields does not stretch funding across more weeks. Families therefore need to distinguish the opening calendar from the weeks covered by their entitlement.
Universal funding provides 15 weekly hours over 38 weeks for three- and four-year-olds, starting in the term after their third birthday. Eligible working parents of children aged nine months to four years can access 30 weekly hours over 38 weeks. Access begins in the term after the relevant age threshold or receipt of an eligible code, whichever is later; eligibility is checked each term and must be reconfirmed every three months. Funded and paid places are offered; contact the school for current charges.
Visits can be arranged by telephone on 0121 675 3065. The contact form and enquiry@shnlyfld.bham.sch.uk provide further enquiry routes. The nursery is on Woodcock Lane, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 1BU.
The provision includes children from three months to five years. Raindrops is for ages two to three, and Sunbeams for three to four.
The nursery opens from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, for up to 49 weeks a year.
No. Shenley Fields does not offer stretched funding. Universal hours for eligible three- and four-year-olds cover 38 weeks, beginning in the term after their third birthday.
Families discuss support with their child's key person or key people, help set learning targets and review progress at termly consultations. Permission is sought before involving outside professionals.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process, with its own deadline.
