Arrow Valley First School Nursery

Dinosaur skeletons and Lunar New Year celebrations give the Mice nursery class a character of its own. This is Arrow Valley First School’s nursery in Redditch, where purposeful play and children’s interests shape learning. Part-time and full-time places offer two different weekly patterns for families.

At the February 2024 Ofsted inspection, early years provision was graded Good within the school’s inspection. That judgement covers early years, rather than constituting a separate nursery rating.

Play is the starting point. Adults use deliberate conversations and interactions to support children’s communication, while the nursery aims to develop independence and curiosity. Children’s own interests help shape what they explore, giving them a part in directing their learning.

The Early Years Foundation Stage brings learning, development and care into one framework. Here, that sits alongside an emphasis on children learning in their individual ways. Discovering and constructing dinosaur skeletons is one example of the Mice class’s activities; celebrating Lunar New Year is another. These give children concrete subjects to investigate and discuss.

Language also has an ambitious edge. In February 2024, children from early years onwards were using technical vocabulary, including oesophagus, fluently and recalling earlier learning. The emphasis extends beyond everyday conversation to words that help children explain what they know.

Pictures showing children taking part in activities feature in the nursery surroundings. The nursery links this personal detail to its aim of helping children feel that they belong.

Relationships with families are central to the nursery’s approach. It recognises parents’ continuing role in their child’s development and emphasises communication between home and school. A nursery teacher forms part of the school team.

For additional needs, the school uses an assess, plan, do and review cycle. Its Waves of Support move from adjustments in class teaching to targeted group interventions and more individual support. Children receiving Wave 3 support have a My Plan with targets that are revisited regularly. This gives families a structure for discussing needs and reviewing the response, rather than treating support as a single decision.

The Access and Inclusion Lead, who is also the SENDCO, can be contacted through the school’s SEND contact form.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority in the September 2027 allocation. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority using the Common Application Form. Worcestershire residents can apply online; the deadline is 15 January 2027.

Oversubscription priority runs through looked-after and previously looked-after children, eligible siblings, catchment residents and then other applicants. Distance orders applicants within each category. Familiarity with the nursery therefore leaves the Reception application as a separate practical responsibility.

Part-time places cover 15 hours each week, while full-time places cover 30. Morning-only nursery sessions run from 8:30 to 11:30, with collection through the side gate and nursery door.

The nursery offers 15 funded hours from the term after a child turns three; working families may qualify for 30 funded hours. Nursery visits are welcomed, and application forms come from the school office. For enquiries, telephone 01527 528 111 or email office@arrowvalley.crst.org.uk.