St Margaret's Church of England Primary School Nursery

Conversation gives this nursery its character. In February 2026, staff in the early years used everyday exchanges to develop vocabulary and children's awareness of sounds. Learning to speak confidently has a clear purpose here: it helps children explain their ideas and take part in learning.

Foundation 1, also called FS1, is the nursery provision at St Margaret's Church of England Primary School on Richmond Road in Olton, Solihull. It forms part of the school's early years provision. The February 2026 Ofsted judgement for early years was Expected standard; this applies to the early years phase within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Familiar routines give the day a predictable shape. In February 2026, nursery children understood what they were expected to do, and children across the early years were interested in learning and generally sustained their attention. That structure helps young children participate rather than spend the session working out what happens next.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum builds the beginnings of reading, writing and number knowledge. Talking is part of that learning, too. In February 2026, early years children could discuss their learning confidently, including their knowledge of hammerhead sharks and other sea creatures. This gives parents a concrete picture of vocabulary being used to explain an interest.

Nursery themes move from All About Me to Celebrations, then Houses and Homes and The Great Outdoors. Summer themes include Animals, followed by Water & Under the Sea. These give children different subjects to talk and learn about across the year. Across the early years, staff assess learning and use those checks to arrange additional help promptly, so support responds to how a child is progressing.

Relationships support the learning. In February 2026, early years staff developed connections with children through frequent conversation, while leaders worked with families and other professionals to support children both at home and in school. For parents, that partnership matters when a child needs help across both parts of their day.

Transition support includes a Welcome to Nursery Transition Booklet. The school's safeguarding team can be reached through the office, giving families a direct contact route for concerns.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Solihull Admissions is a contact route for school-place enquiries.

A Welcome to Reception Transition Booklet supports preparation for the next stage. Becoming familiar with the next class and applying for a place are separate matters; transition support should not be treated as an admissions advantage.

The morning nursery session runs from 8.45am to 11.45am. Afternoon Nursery (Wraparound) follows from 11.45am to 3.30pm, extending the published nursery timetable into the afternoon.

Kidzone provides care before and after school for children aged 3 to 11 in St Margaret's families. Its staffing ratio for children aged 3 to 7 is 1:8; this is the Kidzone ratio, rather than the nursery classroom ratio. Nursery enquiries can go to the school office on 0121 706 5020 or through the school contact form.