Old Hill Primary School Nursery Review

Storytelling, conversation and practical discovery shape nursery life at Old Hill Primary School. Children can build, make marks, invent stories and investigate, with adults helping them put their ideas into words. This is the school's own nursery in Cradley Heath, offering places from age 3, with morning, afternoon and full-day patterns.

Ofsted's June 2026 report awarded early years Strong standard, a judgement covering the school's early years provision rather than a separate nursery inspection. Established routines helped children feel secure and approach learning happily. For parents, the distinctive combination is play with a clear emphasis on language.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning directed by adults with play chosen by children. Whole-class activities sit alongside smaller groups and independent exploration. In parent language, that means opportunities to listen and join in, alongside time to try ideas out through play.

Communication, emotional development and physical skills provide the starting point. Reading, early maths, creativity and discovering how the world works extend that foundation. Daily stories, singing and imaginative play give children reasons to talk; adults introduce vocabulary and help them explain their thinking. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised begins in Nursery, connecting early sound work with the school's approach to reading.

Practical maths includes counting, patterns and exploring shapes and quantities through games and resources. Construction, art and early writing give children other ways to express ideas. Learning takes place both inside and outside, with outdoor activity supporting movement and exploration of nature.

In June 2026, early years teaching developed children's spoken language through clear vocabulary models and encouragement to answer in complete sentences. A question cuboid containing objects such as a beanstalk prompted children to consider why plants thrive or wilt. Interests such as space also shaped activities. Curiosity becomes something children can discuss and investigate.

Nursery teachers work with support staff within the Early Years team. Tapestry, the online learning journal, shares children's learning with families, while staff observations help plan what comes next. Transition meetings and regular communication give parents opportunities to contribute to their child's development.

Buddy Bear links home experiences with classroom conversation: children take the bear into family activities, then share what happened with classmates. In June 2026, this supported confidence and relationships with families. Early years staff also recognised additional needs promptly and provided support that helped children with SEND participate and progress.

Meals are cooked at school by SIPS Education Catering. Children have vegetarian and meat choices, alongside daily salad, and Nursery joins older pupils in the dining hall. Packed lunches are another option. Meals and packed lunches must be nut-free; medical dietary requirements should be recorded through Arbor so the office can respond. Morning nursery children receive a fruit or vegetable snack through the Government's School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.

Attending Old Hill's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Sandwell Admissions, following the normal Reception process and deadline. Keep that application separate from the nursery booking.

For children with SEND, the school's transition arrangements may include extra visits, booklets, personalised plans and meetings between staff. These support continuity of care; they are separate from the allocation of Reception places.

Morning sessions run Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run 12:15pm to 3:15pm. The 15-hour offer is for children aged 3 and over. Eligible families can use the 30-hour pattern, Monday to Friday from 8:45am to 3:15pm. That longer offer includes an additional charge; contact the school for current charges.

To enquire, request a Register of Interest form from the school. Staff acknowledge applications and indicate a likely start date. Contact the office on 01384 569213 or office@oldhillprimaryschool.com.

Morning nursery collection and afternoon entry use the front KS1 doors. Uniform policy applies to all children: a navy cardigan or sweatshirt, white shirt or polo, grey or black skirts, pinafore dresses or plain trousers (no leggings, joggers or fashion trousers) and black school shoes. The logo is optional, and clothing should be labelled.