The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at St Gregory's 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Shared learning gives this nursery its character: children spend their day alongside Reception pupils in the school's Foundation Unit. Free play and adult-led learning both have a place. For families, that means the nursery experience includes regular contact with the next age group, rather than an introduction reserved for the end of the year.
St Gregory's, on Park Road in Bearwood, begins educating children at three. Its nursery has capacity for 26 full-time-equivalent children, a measure of provision rather than a headcount. This is a Catholic school, and it welcomes families with different beliefs, including those with no faith.
Exploration sits alongside planned teaching. Children have opportunities to investigate, play freely and develop ideas about how things work; adults encourage them to share those ideas. The school aims to make mistakes feel acceptable, so trying something out is part of learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the nursery's curriculum framework. Themes connect different areas of learning, giving children a common subject to explore through different activities. Early reading uses Letters and Sounds, with phonics taught daily through activities and texts. A Nursery Reading Spine and Nursery Recommended Reading Poster give families specific starting points for choosing books together.
Movement involves small actions as well as energetic play. Threading, drawing and construction with small pieces develop hand control; jumping, climbing and dancing practise larger movements. Outdoor routines include skipping, running and games with balls. Mini Mash introduces technology through interactive games, with children trying touchscreen controls, a mouse and a keyboard.
A nursery teacher works within an early-years structure that also has an EYFS lead. For children with additional needs, the school's SEND coordinator offers parents a point of contact. Needs are identified through discussions with families and pre-school settings, while referrals to outside services require parental consent. Support for children learning English includes visual prompts and repeated vocabulary through songs, games and pictures.
Food routines include encouragement to bring healthy snacks and lunchboxes, plus a water bottle each day. Cool Milk provides a daily 189ml carton of semi-skimmed milk after registration. For under-fives, milk is free until the Friday before their fifth birthday; registering by Tuesday starts delivery the following week.
Family support extends beyond learning. The school works with the Early Help Assessment Team at Sandwell, giving parents a route to help with wider family difficulties.
A separate application matters. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no automatic priority. Parents must apply again online through Sandwell's school admissions route, meeting the normal Reception application deadline.
Daily learning alongside Reception children provides familiarity with the next age group. That shared experience is a transition feature; it does not change how places are allocated. Keep the practical benefit and the application process separate when planning your child's next step.
The school office handles enquiries by telephone on 0121 429 4609 or email at enquiry_gre@emmausmac.com. Families interested in visiting can contact the office to arrange this.
For September 2026, pre-school starting dates and times were communicated separately by the early-years staff. This distinguishes the youngest children's start arrangements from those for older classes. A pre-school Nativity and activity session is scheduled for 10 December 2026, with parents and carers invited to participate, offering a specific opportunity to share part of nursery life.
No. Attendance gives no automatic priority, and parents must make a separate online Reception application through Sandwell's school admissions route.
Yes. Both age groups work alongside one another throughout the day in the Foundation Unit.
Early years uses Letters and Sounds for phonics and early reading and writing, with daily phonics activities.
After registration with Cool Milk, children receive a daily 189ml carton of semi-skimmed milk. Under-fives receive it free until the Friday before their fifth birthday.
Contact the school office on 0121 429 4609 or email enquiry_gre@emmausmac.com to discuss an enquiry or visit.
