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Nursery at Yorkmead Junior and Infant School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A converted caretaker’s house gives Yorkmead’s nursery its own physical identity within the school. The unit opened in February 2002, with the building adapted for both part-time and full-day provision. It sits in Hall Green, Birmingham, and remains separate from the main school building.
Language and children’s choices shape the early-years approach here. Adults extend conversations, while children spend substantial parts of their day choosing activities inside and outdoors. That combination gives families a clear picture of the intended balance: children follow their interests, with staff contributing vocabulary and ideas along the way. Yorkmead does not provide places for two-year-olds.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach gives priority to communication, relationships and children’s development through practical experiences. Vocabulary is taught directly, and adults build on what children say rather than simply giving instructions. Stories and activities with other children provide further reasons to talk, listen and explain ideas.
Choice occupies much of the day. Staff watch children’s interests and respond as play develops, rather than keeping every activity on a fixed course. Classrooms are arranged to encourage conversation and independent choices; the outdoor learning space can be used throughout the day, whatever the weather. Outdoor activity is part of the learning pattern, rather than reserved for a separate break.
Baking bread and cakes, trips and visits, and watching chicks after hatching bring real experiences into early-years learning. These give children something concrete to discuss and investigate. Books add another thread: early-years activities include story sacks, imaginative play with miniature toys and props, and a Book of the Week. Number work is practical too, with daily opportunities to handle learning materials, explore numbers up to ten and notice patterns during play.
Settling starts before the first nursery day. Children receive a home visit and can see their new classroom beforehand. Early-years staff also meet parents before children start, allowing concerns about additional needs to reach the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). Further discussions can involve the previous setting and a health visitor where needed. These arrangements introduce both the child and family to the team before the new routine begins.
For concerns about learning, the class teacher is the first contact, with the SENCO involved when further support is needed. School support can include visual timetables, changes to classroom arrangements and resources adapted to individual needs. Parents contribute to discussions about support and targets. There is an accessible toilet within the separate nursery building, a practical feature for children who need it.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Birmingham’s local-authority admissions process. For the 2026 admissions cycle, the deadline was Thursday 15 January 2026; that date has passed.
Transition preparation is a separate matter from admission. Planning for moves between classes takes place during the summer term, with parents, children and staff involved. This preparation should not be treated as securing a school place.
The 2025–2026 nursery schedule offered a morning session from 8:55 to 11:30 and an afternoon session from 12:45 to 15:15. The full-day pattern ran from 8:30 to 15:45. Opening time was 8:30 to 8:55, with the afternoon home-time window running from 15:15 to 15:45.
Yorkmead directs eligible families towards 30 hours of funded nursery provision. For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0121 464 4215 or email enquiry@yorkmead.drbignitemat.org.
No. A separate application is required through Birmingham’s local-authority admissions process.
Children receive home visits and visit their new classroom before starting. Early-years staff meet parents beforehand and involve the SENCO where additional needs require discussion.
Yes. The early-years outdoor area is accessible throughout the day in all weather, alongside activities children choose indoors.
The 2025–2026 schedule included morning sessions from 8:55 to 11:30, afternoon sessions from 12:45 to 15:15 and full days from 8:30 to 15:45.
Start with the class teacher. The SENCO can become involved if further support is needed and can be contacted through the school office.
