The Bromley-Pensnett Primary School Nursery Review

Rhymes and stories begin as soon as children join the nursery at The Bromley-Pensnett Primary School. That gives books a place from the start, rather than leaving reading for later. The nursery forms part of the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with an approach that values practical exploration and children's own interests.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 December 2023. This judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The school views practical play as the starting point for learning. The school aims to combine activities guided by adults with play that children choose themselves, drawing on their interests and previous experiences. Exploring, experimenting and asking questions are part of that approach. Children are encouraged to make choices, with independence an explicit aim.

The EYFS brings together language, movement and emotional development with early learning in reading, numbers, creativity and the world around children. In parent terms, learning to communicate and manage relationships sits alongside the first foundations of literacy and mathematics. These areas are intended to work together, rather than as isolated lessons.

In December 2023, knowledge, vocabulary and skills were identified across the curriculum, including early years. Nursery children encountered stories and rhymes from the outset, encouraging an interest in reading. Early years children also understood adults' expectations and followed instructions promptly.

The school aims to make the move from home into education feel secure and to build a partnership with parents. Its early years approach recognises that children develop at different speeds, so individual interests and needs shape the support adults provide.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), parents can discuss concerns with the class teacher or SEND coordinator. Where specialist input is needed, the school seeks advice from speech and language therapists, educational psychologists or the school nurse. This provides a route for discussing a child's development and agreeing the next steps together.

Support follows a cycle of assessing needs, planning help, putting it into practice and reviewing progress. Parents contribute to decisions about additional support. Across the school, physical care facilities include a Medical room for medication and changing facilities, useful practical features for families discussing care needs.

Reception admission is separate. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority. Families must apply again through the normal local authority process, meeting the deadline for their application year. For this school, Reception applications go through Dudley Local Authority; the Trust's normal-round process uses the common application form submitted to the child's home authority.

When places are oversubscribed, priority runs from looked-after and previously looked-after children to siblings, then proximity to school. Nursery attendance is not one of those criteria.

Transition support is a different matter. For pupils who need it, additional plans can include a book or social story with photographs of the new teacher. Staff share information and relevant paperwork so support can continue across settings. These arrangements support continuity of care; they do not change admission priority.

The school is in Pensnett, Brierley Hill, DY5 4PJ. Enquiries about joining go to the school office on 01384 210 290 or enquiry@bromley.drbignitemat.org. Parents can also arrange a fuller conversation about their child's needs through the office.