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Nursery at The Blue Coat School Birmingham
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest School afternoons and a classroom led by a qualified teacher give Blue Coat’s nursery its character: play and exploration sit alongside early work on letters, sounds and numbers. The provision serves children aged three to four within the school’s Pre-Prep department in Edgbaston, Birmingham. It describes classes of 20, each with a qualified early years teaching assistant supporting the teacher.
Children also learn with music, outdoor education and sports specialists. School life extends beyond their classroom to the Pre-Prep gymnasium and Chapel, giving them access to shared spaces while retaining nursery routines.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here means learning through practical exploration, with attention to speech, personal development and movement. There is a clear daily rhythm. Registration is at 8.30am, followed by learning from 8.40am that may begin outdoors or focus on mathematics or literacy.
Reading with the class teacher, phonics and handwriting practice feature in literacy sessions. Number work includes songs, counting rhymes and forming numerals through sensory activities. After the morning break and snack, children explore classroom activities while teachers and teaching assistants work individually with them on tasks such as shape recognition or pencil control. This combines opportunities to choose with focused adult attention.
A nursery play area has equipment and games, with supervisors organising group play. After lunch, Forest School, music or art connects with topics such as Minibeasts and Autumn. The indoor classroom and outdoor spaces both contribute to learning. At the ISI inspection of 16 to 18 April 2024, the early years curriculum supported good progress across learning areas, with number games adapted to stretch children at different stages.
Getting familiar with people and places begins before the first day. Welcome events include a Forest School Experience, a half-day Moving Up Day and a meeting between parents and the class teacher immediately before school starts. A Parents Information Evening covers practical preparation. Together, these give families several points of contact before the nursery routine begins.
Morning snacks include fruit with water or milk. At lunch, the class teacher accompanies children to the Dining Room, where food is brought to their tables and dietary requirements are catered for. Snacks and lunch are included in the Pre-Prep fees. Aftercare provides sandwiches and drinks.
The April 2024 ISI inspection found that early years children received support with emotions and behaviour, with suitable supervision and training for staff on food hygiene and first aid. A paediatric first aider was available for early years children. For additional needs, the school’s Learning Success arrangements involve consultation with parents, SENCo advice and learning programmes whose progress is reviewed regularly.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Keep the admissions decision separate from preparation for the next classroom. For a new Reception application, the school’s application form is the route; entry outside its main intake ages depends on vacancies and may involve a waiting list.
The nursery describes part-time attendance moving to full-time in the final term to prepare children for Reception. That change concerns readiness for the school day; it should not be treated as an admissions entitlement.
Children can be dropped off from 8am at their classroom’s designated area, where a staff member accompanies them safely to class. The core day runs from 8.30am to 3.30pm; morning attendance ends after lunch at 1.10pm. The prospectus sets a minimum of three mornings or days, with the attendance pattern agreed for a term and changes possible for the next term. Nursery children wear school uniform and are expected to be toilet-trained before joining.
Aftercare runs until 5.45pm in a separate space with reading, crafts and toys. Create Club & Music Makers and gymnastics are among the nursery’s after-school options. Activities and aftercare require advance booking and depend on availability. Regular aftercare bookings use the same days and sessions each week, so families should plan their collection pattern ahead.
Consult the term calendar when arranging care: the final day of Trinity Term 2027 has no aftercare. Contact Admissions on 0121 410 6807 or admissions@thebluecoatschool.com for enquiries and a school-day tour. Ask the school for current charges, including additional care.
The nursery is for children aged three to four within the school’s Pre-Prep department.
Yes. Morning sessions end at 1.10pm after lunch. The school describes a minimum of three mornings or days, with sessions set for the term.
They use a designated nursery play area with equipment and games, and Forest School features in the afternoon timetable.
Morning snacks and lunch are included in Pre-Prep fees. Dietary requirements are catered for, and aftercare provides sandwiches and drinks.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. A new Reception application goes through the school, with entry subject to availability.
