West Heath Nursery School: the nursery day

Two forest school areas and separate provision for younger children give West Heath a clear nursery identity. This Birmingham nursery school caters for children aged two to four: Little Nursery has a space designed for two-year-olds, while Big Nursery serves three- and four-year-olds. Spacious classrooms sit alongside a large outdoor area, giving children room for both indoor play and outdoor exploration.

Capacity is expressed as the equivalent of 72 full-time places, with some children attending part-time. Within that provision, 24 part-time places are offered for two-year-olds. Big Nursery is led by two qualified teachers working with the wider staff team. West Heath is federated with Rubery Nursery School; it is a nursery school in its own right, rather than a nursery classroom within a primary school.

Big Nursery alternates child-chosen play with small-group activities. A family-group welcome brings together toast, a maths activity and Sensory Circuits. Children then move between indoor and outdoor play, with targeted groups alongside. Lunch has an extended window, followed by meditation in family groups; later come tidying, stories, singing and another Sensory Circuits session. The rhythm gives children time to choose activities as well as gather together.

For two-year-olds, the sequence is shorter. Registration and a welcome lead into play, with indoor and outdoor choices, then a brief group activity such as a story, rhymes or ring games. A goodbye song marks the end. Morning sessions also include toast and the Hello Song.

The Early Years Foundation Stage is made concrete through talk, movement, stories and early number work. Adults follow children's interests and develop learning through play. Forest School opportunities extend to every child during the year, with session start dates sent to parents by text. In June 2024, outdoor activities included hunting for minibeasts and balancing on climbing equipment, while woodwork and local visits added further experiences. These activities connected vocabulary, physical practice and independence.

The June 2024 inspection found effective work on communication and language, but also identified weaknesses in curriculum planning. Some learning content and activity choices lacked clarity, leaving a few staff less certain about teaching and limiting how securely children developed knowledge and vocabulary. It also required governor training to strengthen scrutiny of leaders and the curriculum. Curriculum consistency. These concerns matter alongside the appealing daily activities: families should consider both the experiences offered and how learning builds over time.

Parents can raise worries with their child's key person, and a senior leader is available at session beginnings and endings. Tapestry Learning Journals share observations and photographs, with parents able to contribute their own comments and material. Consultations and events provide further opportunities to talk. This gives families several ways to connect nursery experiences with home.

Settling sessions and September start arrangements are communicated through individual letters. In June 2024, children settled readily with adult support; SEND was recognised promptly, with help coordinated through parents and external agencies. Safeguarding arrangements were effective at that inspection. The SEND coordinator works across staff, families and agencies, providing a route for discussing additional needs.

Food also becomes a practical learning opportunity. In June 2024, children helped slice fruit for snacks and practised opening their lunch containers and finding their water bottles. These small tasks build everyday independence alongside classroom learning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. West Heath's nursery place should therefore be considered separately from the choice of a primary school: accepting it does not secure the next stage.

The 15-hour pattern comprises two full days and a Wednesday half-day. Big Nursery attendance is either Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon plus Thursday and Friday. Its opening window is 8:45–9:00am, with collection between 2:45 and 3:00pm on full days. Two-year-old sessions run from 8:30 to 11:30am or from 12:15 to 3:15pm.

Eligible two-year-olds can access funded places; three- and four-year-old families can use the eligibility checker for 30-hour provision. The term calendar includes holidays and staff training closures, so these need to fit family childcare plans. Contact the nursery at enquiry@wesththn.bham.sch.uk or 0121 475 2672 for enquiries.