Welsh House Farm Community School and Special Needs Resources Base Nursery Review

Stories give Welsh House Farm's nursery a clear identity. In April 2024, children took part in activities that helped them understand books and tell the stories themselves. This gives early reading a practical starting point: listening, remembering and sharing a story aloud.

The nursery belongs to the school's Foundation Stage, alongside its Reception class, on Welsh House Farm Road in Quinton, Birmingham. Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 23 and 24 April 2024. That judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play shapes the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together children's language, movement and emotional development with early reading, number work, creativity and exploration of the world. Staff initially emphasise communication, physical skills and relationships, giving children foundations they can use across the other learning areas.

Children's interests influence the topics. Staff get to know those interests during the opening weeks, then develop plans that can change as new interests emerge. Trips and visiting contributors are included in the planning. For a curious child, this means an idea can become something to investigate rather than simply a topic to finish.

Both outdoor and indoor spaces support play and opportunities to revisit learning. Creative areas are accessible daily, with children developing ideas through activities they initiate themselves. The emphasis is on making an original response, rather than reproducing somebody else's artwork. Choice has a practical place in the day.

Listening is also part of the nursery's learning: recognising sounds around them, using rhythm and rhyme, and exploring sounds made with voices or instruments. Alongside story activities, these give children different ways to attend to language before reading independently.

Support starts with the individual child. Early years staff consider children's development, needs and interests when planning experiences. Where additional needs call for specialist involvement, they can work with other services. The school's support team covers speech and language needs, learning support, emotional mentoring and behaviour support, giving families several possible strands of help.

Emotion Coaching is part of the school's Trauma Informed Attachment Aware School (TIAAS) approach. Staff training includes responding to children's emotions and helping them develop ways to manage strong feelings. This describes the approach adults are trained to use, rather than a promise about how quickly a child will settle.

Families can also use the EYFS curriculum page's resources on toilet training, bedtime routines, friendships and language. These offer practical topics to explore alongside learning at nursery.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. September Reception applications are handled by the Local Authority Admissions Team. Treat that application as a separate task when planning your child's next stage.

Nursery children must come to school with a parent or another responsible adult. Collection is also by a responsible adult, and families should keep approved collectors' details updated through Arbor. If an emergency means somebody outside that list will collect, tell the office before the day ends so staff can confirm the arrangement.

Uniform includes a white shirt or polo, purple knitwear or a fleece, and black school shoes. Label clothing with your child's name and class. For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0121 464 4355 or email enquiry@welshhousefarm.bham.sch.uk.