Dickens Heath Community Primary School Nursery Review

Painting, early mark-making and a working farm give Dickens Heath’s nursery a concrete character: classroom exploration sits within a school whose grounds also offer contact with animals and nature. The provision is the school’s FS1 nursery class, on Three Acres Lane in Solihull. It offers 39 places, with the usual September intake following a child’s third birthday.

In May 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. Children were happy and generally making good progress. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Early years learning concentrates on language, control of small hand movements and the beginnings of literacy and number. The curriculum builds knowledge in a planned order, giving children foundations to develop rather than a collection of unrelated activities. Nursery children sustain attention while painting and experimenting with making marks. These are practical ways to explore early writing while developing concentration.

Books and early reading receive attention across early years, alongside number and writing. Regular phonics teaching helps children develop knowledge for reading, and children show interest in books. Indoors, activities are planned to support learning. Beyond the classroom, the school has a working farm where children can encounter animals, explore nature and learn responsibility through practical experience.

Teaching consistency. In May 2026, adult interactions sometimes needed greater precision, and knowledge and skills needed to be developed more systematically. Some activities also needed a closer fit to individual children. Consistently better interactions and learning opportunities were the early years improvement priority. For families, the important distinction is between children enjoying an activity and adults extending what they learn from it.

Staff understand the children they teach. In May 2026, early years children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, disadvantaged children and children facing other learning barriers usually received appropriate help and progressed well. Positive exchanges between adults and children generally supported learning, while most parents expressed confidence and valued the relationships staff developed with their children.

Across the school, behaviour is taught through routines, including listening, working with a partner and treating others kindly. When difficulties arise, adults use conversations about what happened and how to repair it. Parents work with the Inclusion lead, SENDCo and other professionals where children need additional help managing behaviour. This gives families a route into shared support rather than leaving difficulties solely to the child.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives an application priority or advantage. Families must apply again through their home local authority, using the normal Reception admissions process. Choosing FS1 therefore needs to make sense for the nursery experience itself.

For Solihull residents, applications go through Solihull Council Admissions; families outside the borough apply through their own council. Keep this separate application in your family’s planning even when your child already attends nursery.

Wraparound childcare has a separate booking step. Once a nursery place has been offered, families receive a link to reserve the additional hours they require. Refer to the school for current charges when arranging this care.

Nursery enquiries go directly to the school office. Call 0121 733 8359 or email office@dickens-heath.solihull.sch.uk. A viewing can be arranged through the office, allowing families to meet staff and consider whether the school’s approach suits them. Families seeking a place after the September intake can also contact the school about possible in-year spaces.