Monkspath Junior and Infant School Nursery Review

Two rooms give Monkspath’s nursery its shape: Little Chimps for children aged two to three, and the teacher-led Marmosets Nursery for three- to four-year-olds. Both belong to the school’s own early years provision. The practical distinction matters: Little Chimps offers year-round care, while Marmosets combines term-time sessions with optional holiday childcare.

Children can start Little Chimps on their second birthday. They move to Marmosets at the September or Easter after turning three, whichever comes first, with no fresh application needed for that room transfer. This gives younger children a defined next step within the nursery.

Ofsted’s January 2026 report assessed the school’s early years provision at Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.

Play supplies much of the learning here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, movement, relationships, early reading and maths, creativity and understanding the world. Adult-guided activities sit alongside children’s own choices. Little Chimps places extra emphasis on communication, physical development and learning to manage feelings and relationships.

In Marmosets, the home corner and small-world farms give children material for imaginary conversations. Playdough and junk modelling exercise small hand movements; sand and water invite pouring, scooping and experimenting. Blocks, puzzles and loose parts introduce problem-solving through things children can handle. These are concrete ways to practise skills before formal written work.

Outside, children can garden, build dens, climb and use wheeled toys. Chalking and painting with water bring early mark-making outdoors too. Storytelling and singing feature daily, giving language practice a regular place in the session.

In January 2026, staff conversations helped children broaden their vocabulary and express ideas, and play for the youngest children suited their developmental stage. Teaching also needed sharper focus. Planned activities did not consistently target the intended next skills, and errors sometimes lasted because adults did not correct them promptly, including mistakes in forming letters. Families should weigh the appealing activities alongside those specific teaching concerns.

Each Little Chimps child has a key person, giving the family a consistent relationship for care and communication. Feeding and toileting are part of developing independence. Marmosets’ team includes teachers and early years professionals; induction events support settling, while curriculum sessions and open afternoons help parents understand learning and discuss progress. The January 2026 early years findings described children settling readily and feeling secure.

Food is part of the routine. Little Chimps provides breakfast, hot lunch and light tea, with fruit and drinks during the day, and accommodates allergies and vegetarian diets. Marmosets uses snack and meal times to practise independence and social habits. School lunches are prepared daily in the school kitchen by Solihull Catering Services, and families can choose a packed lunch.

For additional needs, the school’s Inclusion Team provides a route to discuss concerns and arrange observation and support. Parents are involved in reviewing targeted provision. This gives families a named team structure to approach as needs emerge.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority at Monkspath. Families must submit a separate Reception application through Solihull Council’s normal admissions route, including its online application service, and meet the normal deadline. Moving between Little Chimps and Marmosets is a nursery room transfer, not a Reception allocation.

The school’s transition arrangements include teachers exchanging information about children’s needs and what helps them learn. Children spend time with their next teacher in the final summer-term week. Familiarity supports the change of class; it does not alter admissions rights.

Marmosets’ core sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am and from 12:45pm to 3:45pm. Daily mornings or daily afternoons are the preferred pattern for children aged three or over who are due to start Reception the following academic year, although alternatives can be agreed. Breakfast and teatime bookings can extend care; Little Chimps opens from 7:45am to 6pm across 51 weeks.

The nursery accepts funded places for 15 or 30 hours, with additional paid hours. Food extras can be charged within funded sessions. Families wishing to supply their own consumables can discuss arrangements with the school; contact it for current charges.

Uniform applies in the academic year before Reception, with younger children exempt. Bring spare clothes in a small bag. Marmosets handovers use the Family Centre gate and nursery play area; an unfamiliar alternative collector needs the agreed Collection Word. Contact Monkeys Office on 0121 703 1820 or 62monkeys@monkspath.solihull.sch.uk for availability and visits.