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Nursery at St Francis Xavier Catholic 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Barry bear goes home with the nursery’s star of the week, while a child’s chosen library book brings stories into family life. These small routines give St Francis Xavier’s nursery its own character within a Catholic primary school on McKean Road in Oldbury.
Children here are aged three and four. The nursery has a pre-school manager and a nursery teaching assistant, giving it a distinct team within the school. At the Ofsted inspection on 1 and 2 October 2024, early years provision received a Good judgement. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Books give children an active choice. Each child selects a library book to borrow, with exchanges on Mondays, so families have a regular opportunity to share a different story. The star of the week takes Barry bear home for the weekend, connecting a nursery celebration with home life.
Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), learning develops from children’s existing knowledge. In October 2024, children in early years were developing social skills and learning how people such as scientists and historians approach their work. The emphasis is on understanding as well as remembering.
Catholic faith also shapes everyday activity: nursery children learn and say prayers daily. Across the school, classrooms contain prayer spaces with religious objects, images and prayers, giving that faith a physical presence in the learning environment.
Challenge. The October 2024 inspection raised a classroom concern across the school: children who understood new knowledge rapidly sometimes needed further opportunities to explore it more deeply. Families should keep the level of challenge in mind alongside the positive early years judgement.
Settling begins with family involvement. Children visit with relatives before starting, and nursery staff make a home visit to get to know the child and family. A gradual start can be arranged where needed. This allows the move into nursery to respond to the individual child’s experience of being away from home.
Evidence Me shares captured learning experiences with parents. A home learning book doubles as a channel for messages, while termly play and stay sessions let families join in. Fortnightly opportunities to talk with EYFS staff provide another route for discussing development or concerns.
Additional needs were recognised early and effectively in the early years in October 2024. The school’s SENCo is also the vice principal, and parents can contact the school office to discuss SEND support. The early years lead also holds a deputy safeguarding role, connecting early years leadership with the school’s safeguarding team.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and brings no automatic priority. Families must make a separate online application through Sandwell Council. Treat this as a separate decision and application, even when your child already attends nursery.
For the move into Reception, parents attend an induction meeting and children visit in small groups before starting. These visits give staff time to get acquainted with children in a quieter setting. They support transition; they do not change the admissions position.
There are full-time places of 30 hours and 15-hour places taken in the morning or afternoon. These give families a choice of attendance pattern. Nursery applications go directly to the school through an online form.
For enquiries or to arrange a visit, contact the school office on 0121 274 5975. The nursery is at St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, McKean Road, Oldbury, B69 4BA.
Children aged three and four attend. The earliest starting point is the school term following a child’s third birthday, subject to a place being available.
Full-time 30-hour places and 15-hour morning or afternoon places are offered.
Children visit with family before starting, and staff visit their home. A gradual transition can be arranged if needed.
Evidence Me shares learning experiences. Parents can also use the home learning book for communication, attend termly play and stay sessions and speak with EYFS staff at fortnightly discussion opportunities.
No. Attendance gives no automatic priority, and parents must apply separately online through Sandwell Council.
