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Nursery at Woodlands Infant School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Wet sand, a trampoline and pretend household equipment gave Woodlands’ early years provision a practical, playful character at the September 2022 inspection. This is the nursery within Woodlands Infant School in Shirley, with a main classroom accommodating up to 26 children at once and a second, Little Squirrels, accommodating 16. Those are room capacities, rather than a count of children currently attending.
Children can start in the term following their third birthday, with entry points in April, September and January. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 27 and 28 September 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
A morning in the nursery classroom can be followed by an afternoon in Woodlands Childcare. The afternoon provision links its planning with nursery staff, revisits learning and introduces ideas ahead of classroom teaching. For a child staying longer, the two parts of the day therefore have a planned connection.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, move confidently and manage feelings with early reading, number work, creative expression and exploration of the world. Children learn through play, investigation and trying out ideas. Books and poems support interest in language; counting and exploring shape introduce mathematics; music, art and pretend play give children ways to express themselves. Nursery preparation for writing concentrates on body strength and control of both large and small movements.
In September 2022, outdoor play included contrasting textures of sand and bouncing on a trampoline, with adults using activities to extend children’s vocabulary. Indoors, pretend cameras and a vacuum cleaner gave children opportunities to practise handling equipment carefully. Phonics also began promptly in Nursery. German adds another specific strand: nursery children learn greetings, supported by a hello song and greeting activities.
Familiar routines matter for children making their first move into school. In September 2022, children settled promptly in early years, while nursery routines helped them feel secure and relationships with adults were affectionate and supportive. These findings connect the organisation of the day with children’s emotional comfort.
The school’s approach to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) begins with classroom adjustments, such as alternative materials, individual attention or changes to how the room is organised, alongside discussion with parents. Continuing concerns involve the SEND coordinator. Specialist Inclusion Support Service (SISS), Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) and occupational therapy are among the services from which advice can be sought, in consultation with parents. This gives families a route from classroom support to specialist input.
For children using nappies in nursery wraparound, parents supply nappies, wipes, bags and spare clothing. Sun cream also comes from home.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Solihull Local Authority’s normal admissions process. The nursery application goes through the school office; the next school place follows a different route.
Curriculum continuity. In September 2022, some subjects needed clearer progression from early years into Key Stage 1 so that later teaching built more securely on earlier learning. Families should distinguish preparation for the next stage from entitlement to a place: educational continuity and admissions are separate questions.
The funded morning pattern provides 15 hours across five days, from 8.45am to 11.45am. Eligible parents can extend provision to 30 hours. Nursery Wraparound takes morning nursery children from 11.45am to 3.15pm in Woodlands Childcare. The classroom morning and childcare afternoon are distinct parts of the booking model.
Childcare requests join an admissions list, and a request does not assure a place or a start date. Allocation generally follows the order of requests, with exceptions including existing families increasing sessions and applicants seeking full-time places. This matters when arranging work around an extended nursery day.
Contact the school office for nursery applications. Childcare enquiries can go to s57childcare@woodlands-inf.solihull.sch.uk; ask the school for current charges.
Children can enter in the term after turning three, with starts in September, January and April.
The 15-hour pattern runs across five days, from 8.45am to 11.45am. Provision can extend to 30 hours where parents meet the eligibility criteria.
Nursery Wraparound runs from 11.45am to 3.15pm for children attending morning nursery, subject to securing a childcare place.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Solihull Local Authority’s admissions process.
Support starts with classroom adjustments and discussion with parents. Continuing concerns involve the SEND coordinator, who can seek specialist advice in consultation with parents.
