Tudor Grange Primary Academy Yew Tree Nursery Review

Play with a learning purpose gives Yew Tree’s early years provision its character. Acorn is the school nursery class, while Ladybirds caters for two-year-olds and Dragonflies for children aged three and four. Together, these offer distinct starting points within Tudor Grange Primary Academy Yew Tree in Solihull.

In February 2024, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers the early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The early years curriculum was effective, with communication and growing independence prominent in children’s learning.

Children’s interests shape the youngest group’s activities. In Ladybirds, adults plan the play resources around individual development and what currently catches each child’s attention. Dragonflies combines that approach with focused learning from the school’s EYFS curriculum. The two classes come together for freely chosen play during the morning, at lunchtime and again in the afternoon, with adults contributing to children’s activities.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning to children’s development: talking and listening, movement, and learning about feelings and relationships sit alongside literacy, maths, creativity and discovering the world. For parents, this means play has a purpose beyond keeping children occupied. In February 2024, staff gave language and vocabulary particular attention, helping children who were also learning English to build their communication skills.

Acorn’s week includes Wednesday PE and a Thursday library day. Activities sent home each week are returned for discussion, giving families a practical connection to classroom learning. Nursery experiences in June 2026 included exploring Matisse’s Snail and a Zoolab visit.

Outdoor provision includes an EYFS garden. Families supply boots or wellies, which stay at school for outdoor use. Ladybirds and Dragonflies also ask for a puddle suit in wet or cold weather, making suitable clothing part of preparing for the day.

Warm relationships supported children’s confidence and independence in February 2024. Two- and three-year-olds were learning the everyday routines that help them participate in learning. Those small steps matter for children beginning group care.

A childcare lead works alongside the early years team in Ladybirds and Dragonflies. Families provide a labelled change of clothes and, for children using nappies, their nappies, wipes and cream. Acorn’s home activities offer another point of contact; across the school, every class teacher leads a family workshop at least once a term.

SEND support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle, with provision reviewed by the SENCo and senior leaders. This gives additional support a process for adjustment as needs develop. Families are also encouraged to share significant achievements outside school through Wow Moments, connecting home experiences with celebrations in the setting.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

The 2025-26 arrangements included morning and afternoon sessions, with additional care before and after those sessions. Breakfast was included in the early session; a hot dinner carried an additional charge. Ask the school for current charges.

Funding arrangements for that cycle accepted two-, three- and four-year-old funding. The 30-hour offer identified Acorn’s noon-to-3pm provision and Dragonflies throughout the day. Funding therefore needs to be matched to the chosen class and session pattern.

Ladybirds and Dragonflies children wear school uniform: a white polo shirt with a bottle green cardigan or jumper, plus grey or black bottoms, with dress options too. For enquiries, contact the school office on 0121 704 2067 or email office@yewtree.tgacademy.org.uk.