Smith's Wood Primary Academy Nursery Review

Curiosity and early language give this nursery its direction. At Smith's Wood Primary Academy, nursery learning combines activities guided by adults with play that children choose themselves. The aim is to help children become independent, confident and caring, with room to explore questions rather than simply follow instructions.

The nursery belongs to the academy's foundation stage. Its approach starts with children's existing knowledge and interests, making those the starting points for planned learning. For families, the defining feature is that combination of adult direction and children's own choices.

Play and planned themes work together here. Practitioners observe children's activities and extend their experiences, so an interest can become an opportunity to explore further. Adult-led learning sits alongside child-initiated play: children have opportunities both to follow guidance and to make decisions about what they do.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework shapes the curriculum, with Development Matters guidance supporting it. In parent language, the emphasis is on developing early skills through play, exploration and interaction. The EYFS classrooms provide opportunities to practise those skills, while planned themes give learning a shared focus. Children are encouraged to investigate, ask questions and seek answers. That gives curiosity a practical role in the day.

Early reading is another clear priority. In May 2023, Ofsted identified plentiful opportunities in the early years for developing language and communication, supporting children's first steps towards reading. The useful distinction for parents is the emphasis on communication alongside reading: developing children's language is part of the learning itself.

Independence and care for others are explicit aims of the foundation stage. The school wants children to recognise their abilities while becoming more confident in their own decisions. Alongside opportunities to choose their play, that gives personal development a place within everyday learning.

The academy's approach to special educational needs includes visual prompts, Widgit symbols and instructions broken into smaller steps. Depending on children's needs, adaptations may include sensory resources, movement breaks and now/next boards. These are school-wide practices rather than a separate nursery programme, but they give families a concrete picture of how learning can be made more accessible. The school uses an assess, plan, do, review cycle, involving families, specialist staff and the SENCO in refining support.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate processes: families must apply again through the normal Reception application route by the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and securing the next school place as two separate decisions.

The academy is on Burton's Way in Smith's Wood, Birmingham, B36 0SZ. Families can contact the school office by telephone on 0121 779 8050 or email office@smithswoodpri.solihull.sch.uk. Those are direct contact routes for a nursery enquiry.