Bentley Heath Church of England Primary School Nursery

Children’s interests shape the learning at Bentley Heath nursery, with adults building teaching into play rather than relying solely on planned group activities. For children aged 3 to 4, this is the nursery provision within Bentley Heath Church of England Primary School in Solihull. It has its own outdoor play area, giving outdoor learning a distinct place in the nursery’s setting.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 18 and 19 July 2023. That judgement covers early years across the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Planning in the moment is the named approach here. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), learning follows children’s interests, with adults watching their play and deciding when to join in. An adult might introduce a useful word, demonstrate a technique or add a resource to help a child pursue an idea. The practical implication is that teaching can respond to what a child is doing, rather than waiting for the next planned activity.

Play also sits alongside daily phonics and maths input. Children work individually, in smaller groups and together as a class, so the day combines opportunities to explore with teaching led by adults. EYFS learning is practical: children develop their skills through activity and conversation, with adults offering encouragement and challenge. When something proves difficult, the approach is to help the child persist and try again.

Indoors and outdoors, the learning areas are labelled clearly and arranged so children can use them independently. Literacy and maths feature in these spaces, which are adjusted as children’s needs develop. This gives independence a concrete form: children can access learning areas for themselves, while practitioners adapt the surroundings and introduce vocabulary. In July 2023, early years staff made productive use of everyday interactions, and playful exchanges supported learning in both settings.

A nursery manager and nursery practitioner form the named nursery team structure. Relationships are central to the approach: adults observe children closely and take part in their thinking and play. That makes interaction part of teaching, rather than simply supervision.

For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school places responsibility with the class teacher, supported by external professionals. Parents are partners in this process, and children’s views are also sought. The class teacher is the initial contact for difficulties; the SEND coordinator provides a further route for discussing support. For families, this establishes who to approach and how concerns can enter the school’s support process.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions, even when the preferred school remains the same.

The morning session runs from 8.45am to 11.45am. Confirm afternoon availability and lunch arrangements with the school office before planning childcare. Morning timings differ from the main school day, which matters when arranging collection or coordinating siblings’ routines.

Enquiries go through the school office on 01564 772132 or office@bentleyheath.bdmat.org.uk. The office is at Widney Close, Bentley Heath, Solihull, B93 9AS. Children are released to the expected collecting adult, and parents delayed at collection should contact the school so staff can reassure their child.