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Nursery at Meriden Church of England Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories shape the play at Meriden’s nursery: The Rainbow Fish prompts learning about friendship, while Tiddler introduces time and the sequence of a day. Children can take the play in their own direction, with staff adjusting plans around their ideas. That gives the nursery a clear character: planned learning with room for children’s interests.
Known as Foundation Stage 1 (FS1), the nursery belongs to Meriden Church of England Primary School on Fillongley Road. It forms part of the school’s early years provision. Ofsted graded early years Good at the inspection on 15 and 16 November 2022; this judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play and practical exploration guide the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. In parent language, this means learning to listen and speak, control movements, manage feelings and play alongside others, while beginning to explore reading, numbers, the wider world and creative activities. Drawing develops small movements; running and jumping develop larger ones. Counting, comparing quantities and exploring shapes give mathematics a practical starting point.
The nursery’s Holidays topic shows how stories become activities. Children invent a jungle version of a story setting, make maps, investigate seaside objects and create seaside artwork. The Rainbow Fish connects a book with the everyday business of sharing. These are examples from the nursery’s topic plan, rather than a fixed timetable for each session. A newsletter explains the planned daily activities, and staff can change those plans as children develop their play.
Outdoors, the Early Years area received a climbing frame and trays for water and sand during 2021–2022. These give children physical and exploratory ways to learn alongside classroom activities. Three storage sheds were also purchased for the outdoor equipment. In November 2022, children in Nursery and Reception were developing number knowledge, early reading and writing, and social understanding through carefully organised activities.
Parents can discuss their child’s development through meetings with teachers, informal conversations and special events across the year. The nursery adds a practical view of what children will be doing. Together, these offer ways to connect learning at nursery with conversations at home.
Support for additional needs sits within the school’s SEND arrangements. Tasks can be adapted, and children on the SEND register may have a One-page Profile and Support Plan setting out goals and support actions. External agencies can be involved when needed. The school also uses the six Nurture UK principles and teaches Zones of Regulation throughout the school, giving children language and strategies for managing feelings.
Friday morning tuck for nursery children is toast, paid for in advance through ParentPay; children need credit on their tuck account to receive it. Families should return the allergies and intolerances form so that dietary information reaches the school. Early years children also learn the PANTS rule as part of teaching about personal safety.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. For September 2026 entry, the online application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed. Families living outside Solihull apply through their home local authority; late applicants for that cycle are directed to Solihull Admissions.
The gate opens at 8.45am and closes for registration at 9am. FS1 finishes at noon, so collection falls well before the rest of the school’s afternoon finish. This is a morning commitment for families planning work and childcare.
Nursery uniform includes a navy polo with the school logo, a logo sweatshirt or cardigan, and navy elasticated shorts or joggers. FS1 children do not need a PE kit. The school office handles nursery enquiries at office@meriden.solihull.sch.uk or 01676 522488. School tours can be arranged by appointment. For current tuck charges, contact the school.
FS1 children finish at noon. The gate opens at 8.45am, with registration at 9am.
No. Reception requires a separate application. Families outside Solihull apply through their home local authority.
The EYFS approach centres on play and practical experiences. Nursery examples include story-based sharing activities, map-making, seaside artwork and inventing a jungle story setting.
Nursery children wear a navy school-logo polo, a logo sweatshirt or cardigan, and navy elasticated joggers or shorts. FS1 does not require a PE kit.
Contact the school office on 01676 522488 or email office@meriden.solihull.sch.uk. Tours are arranged by appointment.
