Timbertree Academy Nursery

Messy play, cooking and stories give Timbertree Academy’s nursery its character: learning begins with things children can touch, try and talk about. This part-time provision belongs to the primary school on Valley Road in Cradley Heath, where children can start from age 3.

The school’s early years provision was judged Outstanding by Ofsted at the inspection on 7 and 8 May 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Play and clear expectations work together here, with children learning routines from the start.

Children’s interests help direct the learning. Adults join their play, talk through what they are doing and ask questions that extend their ideas. Loose parts and resources with no single prescribed use give children scope to invent and experiment, rather than simply complete a fixed task.

Stories provide starting points for talking about people, feelings and the world. Cooking and messy play add practical experiences, while observing nature introduces growth and change. Learning takes place outside as well as inside, whatever the weather, so outdoor exploration is part of the approach rather than an occasional extra.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, move and manage relationships with early reading, writing, maths, creativity and understanding the world. In parent terms, conversation and physical activity matter alongside recognising letters and counting. Children are encouraged to try ideas, persist with difficulties and find ways to solve problems.

In May 2025, shared activities helped children develop their speech and social skills; role play included practising sounds. This gives early literacy a practical purpose within play. The school also has a Forest School area at the far end of its field, a distinct physical feature of the wider school grounds.

Relationships are central to the nursery’s approach. The school aims to help children feel secure through consistent adult care, encouragement and communication. Adults model behaviour and help children build confidence in their own abilities.

For additional needs, the school uses Assess-Plan-Do-Review with parental consultation and consent when placing children on its SEN register. Targets are agreed, progress checked and the next steps planned. School support includes speech and language programmes, play therapy and individual or small-group work; provision should be matched to the child’s needs.

All school staff have received child protection training, and designated safeguarding leads provide a route for concerns. An on-site kitchen prepares both cold and hot food each day for the school, with a menu that changes each term.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; Sandwell handles school admissions. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions, even though they concern the same school.

Nursery runs from 8.40am to 11.40am. That morning finish is a decisive planning point for families arranging work or other childcare.

Visits can be arranged by appointment through the school office on 01384 567830. Nursery enquiries can also go to info@timbertreeacademy.org.uk.

The school uniform includes a green polo and green sweatshirt, jumper or cardigan, with grey or black bottoms and black shoes. Logos on the polo and knitwear are optional, giving families flexibility over where they buy them. Label clothing clearly to help keep track of it.