Shireland Hall Primary Academy Nursery

Acorns and Conkers give this nursery its own identity within Shireland Hall Primary Academy in Smethwick. Children join from age three, with a funded pattern of 15 hours each week. These are short sessions spread across five weekdays, making the provision a practical fit for families seeking a regular half-day routine.

Language and settled routines define the early years provision. Ofsted's June 2026 inspection graded early years Strong standard. Children were comfortable and happy, with predictable routines helping them feel ready to learn. That combination matters for a child taking their first steps into group education.

Conversation does much of the teaching here. Across early years, adults introduce vocabulary, develop children's ideas and sustain exchanges throughout the day. Children also choose from activities planned around their interests. Their choices become opportunities to practise language, rather than simply time to occupy themselves.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the framework for learning and care at this age. It covers children's movement, relationships and communication alongside early literacy, number work, creative expression and understanding their surroundings. Here, the inspection evidence gives the clearest picture of how that translates into learning: carefully selected books introduce new vocabulary, while adult conversation helps children explore what words mean.

Across the early years provision, reading sounds are taught explicitly, and reading books correspond to sounds children have learned. Writing and mathematics receive consistent teaching too. Staff spot gaps and respond rapidly, helping children build the foundations needed for further learning. Independence and confidence develop alongside these skills.

Starting Nursery receives careful preparation. In June 2026, the transition into Nursery was a strength, and staff recognised children's needs promptly before arranging targeted help. Consistent routines give children a predictable pattern to follow as they settle.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school's approach is to adapt learning to the individual and provide additional support in their usual class wherever possible. Some children attend morning intervention groups. Sun Group serves EYFS and Key Stage 1 children who need more individual provision, with sensory learning and communication among its priorities. This gives families a concrete support option alongside classroom adaptations.

Parents contribute to decisions about support. Individual target plans can connect work at home with learning at school, while pupil learning plans can be accessed through Provision Map or supplied on paper. The school also has links with speech and language therapists and the Inclusion Support Team (Sandwell Local Authority), bringing specialist advice into the support network.

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 starts in October and ends in mid-January before the September entry. Keep that application separate from accepting a nursery place.

Subject to spaces being available, Acorns runs from 08:30 to 11:30, Monday to Friday, in autumn. In spring and summer, the options are Acorns at those same times or Conkers from 12:30 to 15:30, also Monday to Friday. The afternoon option therefore depends on the term as well as availability.

The funded offer is 15 hours per week for children from age three; those hours can transfer from another nursery. Starts are in September or January, in the term after the child's third birthday. For initial interest, request a form from the front office. Enquiries go to shpadmissions@gbshp.org, and the application/data capture form should only be completed after the admissions team confirms the place.