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Nursery at Dorridge 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play indoors and outdoors, a morning nursery session and the option to extend care through Darby’s give Dorridge’s nursery its practical character. This is school-based provision for children aged 3 to 4 on Station Road in Dorridge. The morning class had 44 places in 2024-25.
Early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 8 and 9 October 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years stage rather than a separately inspected nursery. The useful detail is how children approach learning: in October 2024, they sustained attention, enjoyed collaborating and took on responsibilities that developed independence.
The morning runs from 8.30am to 11.30am, with an afternoon session from 11.30am to 2.30pm. An optional extension takes care through to 3.15pm. This gives families distinct choices about how much of the day their child attends.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework covering care, development and learning up to age five. Dorridge uses play across indoor and outdoor activities. Creative work includes exploring texture and colour, dancing, songs and music-making, giving children several ways to express ideas before they can write them down.
Early computing also starts with play. Children can direct one another towards objects using positional language, operate programmable toys and make pictures with digital drawing tools. Outdoor exploration can involve cameras and microphones. The emphasis is on giving instructions, communicating and experimenting with technology through practical activity.
There is a clear caution alongside that picture. In October 2024, some early years activities demanded less than children’s starting abilities warranted. Assessment in foundation subjects also needed improvement from early years onwards, so teaching could respond more accurately to children’s next learning steps. For families, the question is whether activities stretch their own child, as well as keeping them occupied.
Settling was a strength in October 2024: early years children adjusted quickly. Responsibilities such as health and safety officer roles helped them practise making decisions for themselves. Those small jobs give independence a concrete purpose.
Evidence Me shares children’s EYFS learning journeys with families, with parent contributions requested half termly. Class Dojo provides a separate channel for contacting the teacher. Absence reports and medical information go through the school’s other communication routes, keeping those messages distinct from learning updates.
Nursery children receive fruit daily, and milk is free for children under five. During the afternoon session, families can choose an optional charged school meal or provide a packed lunch. Parents supply nappies and wipes where their child needs them on an ongoing basis.
SEND support sits within the school’s Inclusion Team, with a SENDCo and Assistant SENDCo. Children on the SEND register have reviews each term, while termly coffee mornings give parents contact with the team and other families. Across the school, quieter spaces include the sensory room, Den and Hub. These provide options for children who find busy environments difficult.
A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place at Dorridge. Families must make a separate application through Solihull MBC’s school admissions process. The deadline for the 2026 Reception cycle was January 2026; that cycle is now past.
Nursery and Reception teams collaborate on a consistent early years approach. Separately, children with SEND have transition support through pupil profiles passed to new teachers and summer meetings for the most vulnerable pupils, involving parents and both current and future teachers. Familiarity and information-sharing support the move; they do not secure admission.
Morning nursery provides a 15-hour funded session. The afternoon provides another 15 funded hours where eligible; the extended afternoon option is charged for children who are not eligible for those extra hours. Breakfast care, the late-day extension and after-school care are optional charged additions. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries go to admissions@dorridge.solihull.sch.uk or 01564 772836. Darby’s is a purpose-built facility, and children are accompanied between it and other school areas. For wraparound enquiries, use wraparound@dorridge.solihull.sch.uk.
Station Road access is pedestrian only. Hanbury Road provides pedestrian and vehicle access, but on-site parking is limited. Both roads are busy around the school day, so allow time for collection and follow local parking restrictions.
The nursery age group is 3 to 4 years.
Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am and afternoon nursery from 11.30am to 2.30pm. An optional charged extension runs from 2.30pm to 3.15pm.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through Solihull MBC’s school admissions process.
Nursery children receive daily fruit, and children under five receive free milk. The afternoon session includes the choice of an optional charged school meal or a packed lunch.
Evidence Me shares EYFS learning journeys, with parent contributions requested half termly. Parents can contact their child’s teacher through Class Dojo.
