St Augustine's Catholic Primary School Nursery

Early phonics and a Catholic outlook give St Augustine’s nursery its character. Children join in the school year in which they turn four, taking their place in an age-grouped nursery class within the primary school in Handsworth.

For 2025–2026, provision was for up to 52 nursery children attending either part time or full time. Full-time attendance depended on eligibility for 30 hours’ free childcare or a voluntary additional payment. That distinction matters when choosing how much of the school day your child will attend.

The Early Years Foundation Stage brings together learning to communicate, move, form friendships and become more independent, alongside early reading, mathematics and creative exploration. Its goals include choosing activities, asking for help and taking turns. These are practical foundations for participating in a group, rather than simply preparation for formal lessons.

Stories, imaginative play, music and art sit within this early-years framework. Children work towards expressing ideas, noticing plants and animals, and describing shapes and patterns. Read/Write/Inc begins in Nursery as a structured approach to phonics and language skills, giving early encounters with reading a named teaching programme.

Catholic practice also shapes the surroundings: each classroom has a prayer area containing prayers, religious objects and images. The school aims to connect faith with how children treat other people, making kindness and respect part of its educational purpose.

Day-to-day pastoral care rests with the class teacher. For children with additional needs, school support includes individual sessions and small-group work, with teaching assistants working under a teacher’s direction and advice from the SENDCO. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher and arrange a SENDCO appointment through the office.

Starting arrangements can be adapted to the child. Where appropriate, these include a home or existing-setting visit and transition sessions at different points in the day. This gives families a way to discuss how their child will begin. Classroom entrances and designated school entry points accommodate wheelchairs, a concrete consideration for children with mobility needs.

School meals are encouraged at lunchtime. For children receiving SEND support, teachers meet parents at least termly to discuss needs, provision and progress, keeping family communication connected to the support being given.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives admissions priority. Families must make a separate application, and nursery children are assessed against the same oversubscription criteria as other applicants.

For September 2027 entry, apply through the admissions process of the local authority where you live by 15 January 2027. Return the Supplementary Information Form directly to the school by that same deadline. Completing only the supplementary form leaves the application incomplete.

Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEND moving between classes, the next teacher receives information about preferences and helpful approaches. Classroom visits take place in the preceding term; some children also receive photographic transition booklets. Familiarity can support the change of class, but it does not alter admissions rights.

Nursery hours broadly follow the school day but vary slightly. For 2025–2026, attendance options were part time or full time, with full-time attendance dependent on 30-hour childcare eligibility or voluntary additional payment. Confirm current attendance options, funding conditions and charges with the school.

Visits can be arranged through the school office. For enquiries, telephone 0121 554 5069 or email enquiry@staugust.bham.sch.uk. If another adult will collect your child, notify the office or class teacher; that adult will need photographic identification. Contact the office promptly if collection is delayed.