St Margaret's CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Speaking, listening and Christian storytelling give this nursery its character. Little Wandle begins here with activities that develop children's communication, while the Christian Distinctiveness Worker brings stories and drama into nursery learning. Faith is part of the daily educational setting, rather than simply a label on the school.

At St Margaret's in Great Barr, the nursery class has 52 places, divided between 26 morning and 26 afternoon pupils, including up to 12 full-time places. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its June 2022 inspection; this is an early years judgement within the school inspection.

Two three-hour sessions provide the basic rhythm: mornings run from 8.40am to 11.40am, and afternoons from 12.35pm to 3.35pm. Little Wandle's nursery activities concentrate on speaking and listening. That puts communication at the beginning of the reading journey, before children move towards more formal reading work.

Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), writing opportunities extend across the classroom. Children practise saying their ideas aloud before writing, connecting spoken language with marks on paper. Classroom reflection and worship areas give the Christian ethos a physical presence. Music follows Charanga from the early years, bringing listening, performance and composition into learning. These are different ways for young children to express ideas and attend to sounds.

In June 2022, most early years children progressed strongly in reading and mathematics, but writing developed less securely. Children needing speech and language support also progressed more slowly because chances to practise language were missed. Adult guidance towards suitable activities was inconsistent. Further staff development and a closer match between activities and learning goals were required. Language and writing support. These concerns make purposeful adult interaction an important point for families to weigh alongside the curriculum's intentions.

Settling was a strength in June 2022: children adjusted readily to early years and were keen to attend. Parents were positive about the support their children received. For everyday communication now, the school office passes messages to class teachers or arranges a return call. This gives parents a route for discussing concerns beyond the brief handover.

SEND enquiries also go through the office to the special educational needs coordinator. The school's snack rules allow vegetables, fruit and plain dairy foods, and staff work with families on adjustments where SEND affects a child's diet. Food containing nuts must stay at home. Birthday cakes, sweets and party bags are exchanged between parents because staff cannot check them safely for allergens. Families therefore need to plan both ordinary snacks and celebrations around these rules.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process by the applicable deadline. The school's admissions page directs parents to Sandwell Local Authority for admission arrangements. Treat the nursery choice and the later Reception application as separate decisions.

Morning, afternoon and full-time attendance patterns are offered. The morning and afternoon clocks are clear, making the shorter sessions straightforward to fit around other commitments.

For enquiries, telephone 0121 357 2758 or email postbox@st-margarets.sandwell.sch.uk. The school asks parents to arrange teacher conversations through the office so staff can concentrate on children during collection and drop-off.

Parking. The school frontage must remain clear, and residents' spaces at Sophie Gardens must be respected. An arrangement with Holiday Inn J7 allows parent parking at appropriate times; the office arranges passes. This is a useful practical option for families travelling by car.