Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Primary School Nursery

Stories, action rhymes and a reading corner children can use during free-flow time give this nursery a clear language focus. It belongs to Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Primary School in Shirley, Solihull, where the school describes Catholic faith as central to its work. The practical commitment is substantial: a full-time nursery week of 30 hours, with a core day running from 8.45am until 2.45pm.

Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised shapes the foundations for phonics. In nursery, that means poems, stories, rhymes with actions and listening activities, including oral blending: hearing separate sounds and putting them together as a word. Children have experiences they choose themselves alongside activities directed by adults. The emphasis is on spoken language and attention as foundations for later reading.

These activities address communication, language and literacy within the early-years curriculum. For parents, the distinction matters: preparation for reading includes listening carefully and enjoying language, alongside phonics. In May 2024, Ofsted identified engaging phonics teaching beginning in the early years, with trained staff and prompt help when children needed it.

The reading corner is a concrete part of the nursery environment. Children can use it each day during free-flow time, and its books change regularly, giving them fresh material to explore. At home, nursery learning includes sharing a book and an appropriate task connected to what children are learning. That gives families a simple way to join in.

Lunch comes from home. Nursery children bring a packed lunch, while fresh vegetables and fruit are provided free each day. The school is nut free, and parents must tell staff about food allergies, so lunch preparation needs to take those requirements into account.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school's support arrangements include teaching adapted to individual needs, work with an adult individually or in small groups, classroom assistance and specialist programmes. These are school-wide arrangements; discuss their application to your child with the team. The school aims to identify additional needs early and involve parents in decisions about support.

Non-urgent messages go through the school office by email, addressed for the relevant member of staff. The school aims to reply within three working days. Urgent concerns should be raised by telephone.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home local authority and meet the deadline for that intake. A supplementary information form and baptism certificate should also go to the school. For the 2026 Reception intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026.

Learning preparation is separate from admission. Nursery's listening and oral-blending activities are intended to prepare children for the next stage of phonics. They build skills, rather than securing a school place.

The booking model is full time. Parents receiving 30-hour funding have the core nursery hours covered; those who do not qualify must pay for the additional 15 hours each week. An earlier drop-off at 8.30am and collection at 3.30pm carry extra charges. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery applications go directly to the school, either by email to s79admissions@ol-wayside.solihull.sch.uk or by hand. For the 2027/28 nursery intake, applications close on 4 December 2026, with offers due on 29 January 2027.