St Patrick and St Edmund's Catholic Primary School Nursery

Counting songs, early writing through play and Catholic prayers give this nursery its character. The 26-place unit belongs to St Patrick and St Edmund's Catholic Primary School and is based on Rosebery Street, Springhill, Birmingham, B18 7PA. Children start in September after turning three. They join the school's early years provision in their own nursery class, with a separate Reception application later.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the learning: children develop skills through play, alongside learning about themselves and other people. The nursery overview includes drawing, early writing within play and counting songs. Completing jigsaws and exploring patterns add practical ways to think about shapes and numbers. These are small, recognisable activities through which children can practise rather than simply listen.

Music includes Charanga units, with singing and hymn practice. Religious learning covers prayers and stories, with Christmas and Easter among the themes. Faith therefore has a place in the learning programme from nursery age. Personal development includes expressing feelings and learning to dress independently, connecting classroom learning with everyday life.

At the May 2024 inspection, Ofsted described early years classrooms arranged for learning through play and a sizeable, organised outdoor area that children enjoyed using. Children followed familiar routines and approached learning positively. There was also a clear concern: curriculum changes had not sufficiently strengthened progress for some children. Consequently, some early years children were less prepared for the Key Stage 1 curriculum than they should have been. Further refinement of early years teaching and curriculum was required. Families should weigh the play spaces alongside that concern about learning.

Settling starts before the nursery day begins. After an offer, the nursery team organises a home visit, gives parents a handbook or prospectus and invites the child to introductory sessions. This gives staff and families a chance to get acquainted before the child starts. The home visit also provides time to discuss additional support; the class teacher can then involve the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO).

For speech and language needs, early years intervention groups use Wellcomm. This gives communication support a named programme rather than leaving it as a general intention. The school's SEND policy also sets out individual target plans shared with parents and reviewed each term, providing a way to discuss what a child is working towards.

Everyday contact is direct: early years teachers are available by their classroom doors at both ends of the day. Parents can use those opportunities to pass on concerns or discuss their child. Welfare concerns can also be raised with designated safeguarding leads through the school office.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admission priority. The 2027/28 arrangements apply the same oversubscription criteria whether a child attends the nursery or comes from elsewhere. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority and return the school's Supplementary Information Form. For September 2027 entry, both are due by 15 January 2027.

Transition activities serve a different purpose. The EYFS leader visits the nursery to meet children and discuss additional needs; children visit the Reception unit, and individual transition plans can be arranged where needed. These activities help prepare children for the change. They do not alter the admissions decision.

The nursery offer is five full days, Monday to Friday, from 8:50am to 3:15pm. Its funding structure combines the universal 15-hour entitlement with a charge for afternoons. Children eligible for 30 hours of free childcare have no additional payment under this arrangement. Contact the school for current charges.

To enquire or arrange a nursery visit, contact the school office on 0121 247 3947, choosing option 1 for the infant site. Visits give prospective families an opportunity to see the provision before applying.