St Peter's CofE Primary School Nursery Review

New words practised in play and outdoor exploration in every weather give St Peter's nursery its character. This is the school's own provision for children from three years old, in Harborne, Birmingham. It forms part of the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with a curriculum designed across nursery and Reception.

Christian values shape the early years aims. The school wants children to become independent, curious learners, with learning that helps them understand both their local community and the wider world.

Play carries much of the learning. The EYFS brings together children's learning, development and care; here, adult guidance and opportunities to explore sit alongside direct teaching and work in small groups. Children's interests help determine what happens next, so planning can change in response to their questions and developmental needs.

Language has a clear place in that mix. Word Aware gives children new vocabulary to try out during play, while stories, songs and rhymes provide further opportunities to hear and use words. Books from the spine collection support topic work. SuperSonic Phonics Friends is the named early years phonics programme, connecting enjoyment of books with learning about sounds.

Mathematical thinking develops through exploration, small-group work and direct teaching. The school aims for children to use their learning in everyday situations. Topic learning also includes visitors and trips, giving children experiences to connect with their classroom activities.

Indoors, children can reach resources themselves. Materials change with their interests and developing skills, allowing them to revisit learning as well as attempt something new. Adults guide play to help children cooperate, ask questions and handle their feelings.

Outside, daily opportunities in the natural environment continue through different weather conditions. Larger apparatus and smaller equipment support both whole-body movement and finer physical skills through sensory exploration. In October 2023, Ofsted identified outdoor learning and purposeful physical activity as features beginning in early years. Movement is part of the learning here.

Consistent routines and relationships with adults are central to the school's early years approach. Staff use play to help children work with others and manage emotions, linking social development to what children actually do during the day.

Planning takes account of individual needs and starting points. For families wanting to discuss special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the infant office passes messages to the SENCO team. That provides a direct route into a conversation about a child's support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at St Peter's. Families must make a separate application through Birmingham City Council's online admissions route, meeting the deadline for their child's entry year.

For September 2026 entry, the closing time was 11.59pm on 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past. Curriculum planning connects nursery with Reception, but that learning continuity must be kept separate from the application process: joining the nursery does not secure the later place.

The school is on Old Church Road, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 0BE. Nursery enquiries can go to the infant office on 0121 464 2128 or to enquiry@st-petersce.bham.sch.uk. The office team handles parent queries, giving families a straightforward first point of contact.