Rounds Green Primary School Nursery

Outdoor learning in all weathers gives Rounds Green’s nursery day a clear character. The large outdoor area is used across the day, with early number and literacy work taking place outside as well as indoors. Children’s interests help shape the weekly planning, so their own curiosity has a place alongside adult-led learning.

This is Rounds Green Primary School’s nursery provision on Brades Road in Oldbury, offering places from age three. In the school’s inspection on 4 and 5 February 2025, Ofsted graded early years provision Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines activities guided by teachers with learning children choose themselves. Weekly plans respond both to children’s interests and to the learning needs of individuals and groups. For a parent, the useful distinction is that children have opportunities to pursue an idea of their own as well as take part in planned teaching.

Number and literacy receive focused teaching, while also connecting with learning across other areas. The indoor and outdoor spaces both contribute. Outdoor learning is part of the everyday pattern, rather than something reserved for fine weather.

Early reading uses Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, with phonics beginning in Nursery/Reception. In February 2025, inspectors noted that learning about sounds had begun in Nursery. This gives families a concrete starting point for understanding the reading work: learning about sounds begins before children are expected to become fluent readers.

Physical development also starts in the EYFS, through work on fine and gross motor skills. The emphasis is on developing both smaller movements and larger body movements, alongside the nursery’s early language and number learning.

Support for different learning needs extends into early years. In February 2025, curriculum adaptations for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and for those learning English as an additional language, helped children participate in the intended learning. Progress was monitored to check how their support was working.

Families can raise SEND concerns through the school office by telephone or email. A school-wide Family Support Worker also helps parents with practical advice and connections to local services. The school’s reception area contains a food pantry and uniform bank, giving that family support a practical base.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority where their child lives. The application window usually begins in September and ends in mid-January before the September start, so choosing nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

School staff can help families with the application. Keep that process distinct from the learning children undertake in nursery: becoming familiar with sounds and school routines does not secure admission.

The nursery offers 15 free hours each week, subject to places being available. Children attend either Morning Class, 8:45am to 11:45am, or Afternoon Class, 12:30pm to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. These are alternative session patterns, making the choice of morning or afternoon important for family arrangements.

Apply by completing the Nursery Application form and returning it electronically or on paper to the school. For enquiries or a school visit, contact 0121 552 1910 or roundsgreen.admin@roundsgreen.sandwell.sch.uk. Nursery children enter through the EYFS playground.

Uniform includes a navy cardigan or sweatshirt and a white or royal blue polo shirt; school logos are optional. Grey or navy trousers, skirts or pinafores and sensible black shoes complete the everyday clothing requirements. Second-hand uniform is available through the school office for families needing assistance.