Berkswell Primary School Nursery Review

A morning of play and book sharing can become a longer school day at Berkswell, with afternoon nursery care alongside the older early years children. That connection gives this provision its character: nursery belongs to the school's early years phase, with opportunities to join school events rather than operating as a separate childcare setting.

Foundation Stage One, shortened to FS1, is the nursery at Berkswell Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School on Church Lane. At the Ofsted inspection on 28 and 29 September 2022, early years provision received an Outstanding judgement. This covered the school's early years phase, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play shapes the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, movement and social development with early reading, mathematics, creative expression and discovering how the world works. Berkswell plans around children's interests, while developing practical habits such as listening, concentrating and persisting with something difficult. The aim is to help children become increasingly independent learners.

Indoor and outdoor learning spaces both form part of this approach. Resources are arranged so children can reach them themselves, giving them opportunities to choose and take responsibility for their learning. Adults observe children as activities unfold and give immediate feedback; termly assessments then check progress across the curriculum. Everyday observation therefore informs what happens next.

Book sharing starts in FS1. Stories introduce reading as something to enjoy together, before the more formal scheme used later. In September 2022, early years staff matched activities closely to children's abilities and combined encouragement with challenge. Books also supported inclusion: Elmer helped children think about differences between people. These are purposeful experiences, with conversation and relationships woven into learning.

Relationships received close attention in September 2022: early years staff knew what children could do and built warm connections with them. Afternoon nursery care is run by school staff working alongside the other early years children and adults, providing contact across the phase during the extended day.

Children using the afternoon provision can have a school lunch prepared on the premises. Snacks and drinks also form part of the afternoon arrangements, alongside an additional half-hour covered by the contribution described for families eligible for the free 15 hours. Ask the school for current charges.

For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school's approach places initial responsibility with the class teacher, supported by external professionals and partnership with parents. The teacher is the first contact for concerns. Solihull SENDIASS provides independent advice, giving families another route for support alongside discussions with staff.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home council and meet the deadline for the relevant entry year. For September 2026 entry, the deadline was 15 January 2026; that application cycle has passed.

The afternoon nursery arrangement provides a practical connection with Reception children and staff. Familiarity with the wider early years group can help children experience the next stage, but it does not secure admission.

Morning FS1 runs from 8:50am to 11:50am. Nursery afternoon wraparound continues from 11:50am to 3:20pm each day. For care beyond those hours, Berkswell Windmill Wraparound, known as Windmills, runs from 7:30am to 8:50am and from 3:20pm to 6pm. These are separate parts of the day's arrangements, so families need to organise the provision they intend to use.

The extended entitlement uses a 30-hour eligibility code, validated through the local authority, with a form returned to the school office. Contact the school office to arrange Windmills care. Nursery enquiries go to 01676 532141 or office@berkswell.solihull.sch.uk.