St Mary and St Margaret's Church of England Aided Primary School Nursery

Books, rhyme and time outdoors give this school nursery its character. At St Mary and St Margaret's in Castle Bromwich, three-year-olds join provision within a Church of England primary school, with learning built around stories and opportunities to explore. The emphasis is on developing curiosity alongside the confidence to do things independently.

Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 4 and 5 June 2024; that judgement covers the school's early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Nursery children enjoyed books, poetry and rhymes, while purposeful adult involvement in activities supported independence. Those are useful foundations for a child beginning school life.

Stories connect the learning. Carefully chosen texts provide starting points for themes, and the two-year curriculum uses Development Matters to plan children's next steps. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning directed by adults with activities children initiate themselves. In parent terms, children have opportunities both to follow guidance and to pursue an idea of their own.

Reading begins with listening and playing with sounds. A daily phonics session is matched to children's level, and the nursery sequence includes recognising sounds from instruments and the environment, body percussion, rhyme and combining spoken sounds. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised is the named phonics programme. Nursery children also select a class-library book to enjoy at home, giving families a direct connection with this part of the day. Early years has a reading garden too.

Outdoor learning is a daily opportunity, with the outside environment used to extend classroom activity through investigation, exploration and movement. Creative work includes experimenting with materials and tools, explaining how something was made, and using props in story-based role play. These activities give children practical ways to express ideas.

SMILE links wellbeing with everyday learning: moving, socialising, noticing the world, learning and contributing. Worship and discussion also introduce the school's Christian values. The nursery day therefore includes emotional and social development alongside early learning skills.

Settling starts before the first session. A booklet illustrated with photographs introduces families to school before their child starts. Teachers prepare support through home visits and, when possible, visits to the child's earlier provision. Families have something concrete to share with their child, while staff can learn about their needs in advance.

In June 2024, warm connections with familiar adults and changes to the early years environment helped children settle. Adult interaction during activities also supported their growing independence, linking reassurance with opportunities to try things for themselves.

For children with additional needs, the school's support process involves parents in discussing provision and reviewing progress. Individual My Support Plans set short-term targets and describe additional help; parents contribute and take part in reviews. Visual timetables, specialist seating and a designated Group Room are among the school's resources. Their use depends on individual need, so support can address practical access as well as learning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the local authority's normal admissions process and meet its normal deadline. Nursery applications are handled by the school; Reception admissions use the local authority route.

Preparation for a new class is a separate matter. For children facing significant difficulties, a booklet about the change and further visits may be available. General class-change arrangements include time to get to know the next classroom team, supported by staff passing on details about each child's learning and social and emotional needs. Familiarity helps with the change, but does not secure admission.

The nursery enquiry route is the school office on 0121 747 2025. The school is on Southfield Avenue, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, B36 9AX; general enquiries can also go to 90office@ss-m-and-m.solihull.sch.uk.