Timberley Academy Nursery

Stories and first sounds give Timberley’s nursery its clearest character. Children begin learning sounds in Nursery, with a consistent phonics approach across early years. This places the beginnings of reading within the nursery experience, rather than leaving them until children start school.

The provision belongs to Timberley Academy on Bradley Road in Shard End, Birmingham. Ofsted rated early years provision Good following its visit on 7 and 8 November 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery inspection.

Books have a purposeful place here. In November 2023, children were developing enthusiasm for stories from early years onwards, while sound learning began in Nursery. For parents, the useful distinction is between enjoying books and beginning the skills needed to read them: both featured in children’s early learning.

Across early years, resources supported activities with a clear learning purpose. Children developed across the areas of early learning, and many progressed substantially despite starting with very limited skills. The emphasis was broader than reading alone.

Expectations also mattered. In November 2023, the early years learning climate supported children’s development and preparation for later learning. Taken together, the resources, purposeful activities and expectations offer a picture of early education in which children build skills through their experiences.

Families with additional needs can contact the school’s SEND team through the office and arrange an appointment on 0121 464 2002. The team works alongside parents, teaching staff, children and external agencies. That gives families a route to discuss support with the people coordinating it.

Parental consent is sought when external professionals are needed. Support can involve educational psychology, autism and communication services, sensory specialists, or Pupil and School Support. Professionals may observe or assess a child, recommend interventions and review those recommendations. They can also contribute to EHCP requests and reviews where needed, linking assessment with decisions about support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority coordinated route by the normal deadline.

For 2026/27, the proposed admission criteria include children attending Timberley’s nursery after looked-after or previously looked-after children and qualifying siblings, and before proximity to the academy. The proposal therefore includes nursery attendance as a priority criterion, but families should distinguish that proposal from a guaranteed offer. A child whose EHCP names Timberley has overall priority outside the oversubscription criteria.

Up to 15 hours per week are free for funded children under arrangements due for review in September 2025. Fees are paid through ParentPay. Ask the school for current charges before committing to a place.

Missed sessions. Absence does not automatically entitle a child to attend on another day. Refunds are restricted to extreme circumstances, so families should factor missed attendance into their planning.

Collection. A late-collection charge applies after the first 10 minutes. Bank holidays and closure days carry no charge, while other holiday absences and missed days are charged at the usual rate.