Knowle Church of England Primary Academy Nursery

Storytelling and clay modelling give Knowle’s nursery a place in the school’s wider learning life. Talk for Writing starts in the early years, while a shared art project has involved children making clay tiles linked to the school’s Christian values. These are concrete connections between early learning and the school around it.

The nursery belongs to Knowle Church of England Primary Academy on Kixley Lane in Knowle, Solihull. Children usually start in September after turning three; entry in the term following their third birthday is also possible, depending on numbers. The October 2023 Ofsted inspection rated the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Language provides a clear thread through early learning. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Talk for Writing uses engaging texts to develop vocabulary and writing skills. For parents, the practical emphasis is on building the language children need to express ideas, alongside the beginnings of writing.

Reading also has a planned starting point. In October 2023, early years teaching had a clear sequence for learning sounds and combining them into words. This gives early literacy a direction, rather than treating it as an isolated activity.

Creative work connects children with a physical feature of the school. A whole-school Big Art project included the early years: children made individual clay tiles representing the Fruits of the Spirit, the school’s Christian values. The tiles are displayed around the school. Working with clay gives children a material to shape, and the display makes their contribution part of the shared surroundings.

Support for additional needs sits within the school’s provision. The school supports children whose disability or learning difficulty makes learning harder than it is for others of the same age. Its aim is to adapt learning so children can develop their abilities and make progress.

A Needs Based Plan identifies an individual child’s needs and the classroom support that suits them. For families, this provides a way to connect a child’s particular difficulties with practical help in their learning environment, rather than relying on a general description of support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal admissions process; Reception admissions are handled through Solihull Council’s coordinated scheme. Choosing the nursery and applying for a school place are separate decisions.

Curriculum continuity. In October 2023, some subject plans did not connect early years learning sufficiently with the work that followed in Year 1. The school was asked to strengthen those links. This matters because children’s next learning should build on skills and knowledge they already have.

For nursery enquiries, telephone 01564 776209 and select option 1. The school office can also be contacted at office@knowle.solihull.sch.uk. These give families a direct route to the team handling nursery enquiries.

Visits outside the school’s Open Mornings may be possible by arrangement with the office. This is a conditional opportunity, so a visit needs to be agreed before families make plans to attend.